Went out a bit ago to clean off the east deck and get started on staining it. For over a month there has been a steadily growing yellow jacket ball over the front door just under the peak of the eave. I leave them alone, they leave me alone. As I took the 'CK Voss' of my dad's sign off the deck step I found a small paper wasp/yellow jacket nest behind it. There were four wasps in it and I was able to immediately euthanize them all. I had to go inside for something and when I came back out to try to work the wasps were in an uproar. I was able to finish sweeping the deck all the while with wasps bouncing off me and trying to crawl in my hair. I went back inside and came out again when they settled down. I was able to get the board closest to the wall stained before a wasp stung me through the knit part of my right glove. The rest of the hive was buzzing ominously so I decided it was time to give up on the deck. There was plaintain close at hand so I got some and put on the sting and it immediately stopped the stinging. I headed for the back door and got a couple more plaintain leaves on the way in. I made a poultice and have it under a bandaid and the stinging and swelling is minimal.



My question is, how did the the hive 12 feet up on the wall find out I had killed the other wasps??? Were there ultrahigh frequency screams I couldn't hear??? Death pheramones sent out? Bee ESP? Hopefully the bee funeral will get over soon so I can get the deck done.


Where are the Bee-eater birds when you need them???


For those not into herbal lore, plaintain leaves are great for bee stings. Crush them and apply them to the sting site immediately. It will take away the sting and greatly reduce any swelling. Of course if you have a bee allergy stick with your regular post sting treatment. Plaintain is seen as a weed by most folks. It's found throughout the US and often grows in your flower bed without your permission.


Mary Hrudkaj

Belfair/Tahuya