Peak Color Now: Yellowjacket Yellow
If curiosity killed the cat, I guess I should consider myself lucky I’m not a cat. I’ve been bit, pinched, and stung by a variety of critters. Sometimes it was clearly my fault. Others, I was just in the right place at the wrong time. But without a doubt, the species that has gotten me the most in the last several years has been Yellowjacket wasps.
I don’t even remember the first time I was stung, but I was young. Most recently (last week) I was stung on the inside of my wrist while I was minding my own business, typing on my laptop outside. It got three jabs before I put two and two together to address the situation. It won’t do that again.
You can read the complete column here: The reason Yellowjackets get so aggressive this time of year
As to what to do if you’re stung, I’ll cite the Cleveland Clinic: “Yellow jacket stings cause pain, swelling, redness and itching. Antihistamines and ice usually help. But if you’re allergic, yellow jacket stings can cause anaphylactic symptoms. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. If you know you’re allergic, always carry an EpiPen®.”
The good news is that peak red and orange of fall colors usually arrive just after peak yellowjacket season, something to look forward to.
Resources
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-2075-11
https://www.pollinator.org/bees-vs-wasps
https://arrowexterminating.com/blog/yellow-jackets-and-wasps-in-fall/
