To: North American Fruit Explorers <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [NAFEX] yellowjacket nests
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:11:47 -0700
The yellowjackets that I have seen in Oregon and Alaska build big
whiteish papery nests underneath eaves. I have washed them down with
a hose, keeping a good line of escape for myself if needed.
But as a child in Alaska I remember throwing rocks at a nest. They
figured out the line of fire and one hit me in the middle of the
forehead - just like a burning hot needle. I raced to the kitchen and
mixed a paste of baking soda and water and slapped it on the sting.
The pain stopped quickly, and there was no swelling. I can't blame
the critter actually, after all, he was only defending his home!