This has nothing to do with anything, but have the yellowjackets in anyone's area been more numerous this year? I'm seeing a bazillion of 'em for some reason.
We always have *some* every summer, & coexist respectfully with them bc they're beneficial insects; but this season, it seems like there's been a lot more of them. Sitting out on the deck we got dozens coming around, & there are quite a few inside the house as well. I've looked for a nest (nests?) with no luck so far.
@peterquirk Yowza, that's quite the nest! The bald-faced hornets' nest I had looked like that. I had that one removed; I still don't know where the yellowjackets are nesting tho'. It's driving me bonkers.
@Impious_Jade I'm glad I didn't have to deal with bald-faced hornets. I did protect myself with Tyvek coveralls, a hat, a workshop-class polycarbonate face shield and long gloves, and sprayed at 5:30am when they were least active.
@peterquirk If you're going to DIY, that's the way to go. Some years ago a yellowjacket randomly flew into an open sliding glass door & stung my niece, who was minding her own business. My parents suited up, found the hive, & took out the entire thing. Some serious Godfather action right there - you don't mess w/the family, LOL!
@Impious_Jade I have a lot of them this year on my front patio (in central MA). Last year I could eat my breakfast, lunch or dinner outside without being pestered. This year, I have to go inside within 5 minutes. I destroyed a large nest hanging from the arbor leading to the front door a couple of weeks ago. I don't know where the second nest is.
#nature #wasps