As the season for bees and wasps draws to a close, let’s get ready for next year’s pollinators. This year has had wasp traps flying off the shelves. Happily they work, and even better, seem specific to wasps. But why do we care? Some are so scared of yellow flying things that even the sight of a bee sends them into total arm-swinging panic. And unless there is an allergy component, the reaction is unnecessary, counter-productive, and looks silly. Wasps on the other hand…

A Honey Bee Collecting Pollen                                                                        pic Lensworth

Bees and wasps, while both belonging to the Hymenoptera order, exhibit different behaviors, especially regarding aggression. Isn’t “Hymenoptera” a character in the Mummy movies?

Bees vs. Wasps: Behavior Differences

Bees

Most bee species, including honeybees and bumblebees, are primarily non-aggressive and sting only when they feel threatened or to defend their colony. Honeybees, for instance, can sting only once because their barbed stingers get lodged in the skin, leading to their death after stinging. Bees are vital pollinators and tend to focus on collecting nectar and pollen rather than interacting with humans.

Wasps

Wasps, such as yellow jackets and hornets, are generally more aggressive, especially when their nests are disturbed or they feel threatened. Unlike bees, wasps have smooth stingers and can sting multiple times. They are predators and scavengers, often attracted to human food and garbage, which increases the likelihood of encounters with people.

This Scary Wasp View Is NOT As Scary As The View Of The Other End!

Is Defense Possible?

Yes, there are effective strategies to minimize the risk of wasp stings and manage encounters:

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Sudden Movements: If a wasp approaches, remain still or move away slowly. Swatting or sudden movements can provoke them. I said SUDDEN MOVEMENTS CAN PROVOKE THEM!

2. Avoid Attractants:

– Fragrances: Do not wear strong perfumes, scented lotions, or hair products when spending time outdoors.

– Bright Colors and Patterns: Wear light-colored clothing; avoid floral prints and bright colors that can attract wasps. Do not get confused with a flower.

– Food and Drinks: Keep food covered when eating outside. Be cautious with sweet drinks, as wasps are attracted to sugars.

While I Am Quite Comfortable Taking A Close-Up Of A Bee, That Is UNTRUE Of Wasps.

3. Proper Waste Management:

– Secure Trash Bins: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent wasps from scavenging.

– Clean Up: Promptly clean spills and dispose of food waste properly.

4. Home and Garden Care:

– Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal cracks or openings in your home where wasps might build nests.

– Regular Inspection: Periodically check eaves, attics, and other sheltered areas for nests.

– Plant Selection: Be mindful of planting flowers that attract wasps near entrances or high-traffic areas.

5. Professional Removal:

– Do Not Disturb Nests: If you find a wasp nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself.

– Contact Professionals: Hire licensed pest control experts to safely remove nests.

6. Protective Clothing:

– Cover Up: Wear long sleeves and pants when in areas where wasps are active.

7. Use Repellents:

– Natural Repellents: Some essential oils like peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus can deter wasps.

– Commercial Products: Use wasp deterrent sprays in areas prone to nests, following the product instructions carefully.

Additional Tips

– Educate Yourself: Learn to identify wasp species common in your area to understand their behavior better.

– Stay Informed: Be aware of peak wasp activity times, usually late summer and early fall. Tell me about it! This year has been a wasp-delight!

– Medical Preparedness: If you’re allergic to stings, carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and inform others of your allergy. Just as Narcan is most likely to be needed  by someone near you, an EpiPen might be needed by the person next to you who is not allergic and may need to rescue you.

While wasps can be more aggressive than bees, understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of stings. Staying calm, minimizing attractants, and respecting their space are key strategies in coexisting safely with wasps.

Personally, when I see them hanging out in an area, I avoid that area. There is a nest somewhere nearby and I do not want to particularly find the nest. I have been known to “nuke” a wasp nest with one of the 10′ sprays, and then run like hell! I don’t recommend that.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com