Most years the wasps are terrible here, but this summer was not so bad. I did run into some ground nesting type that sent me running from the clump of Iris spuria I was trying to weed though. I just waited it out, and took care of the weeds a couple of days ago when it was chilly out. Those are the moments I'm glad no one is around to record my antics, LOL!

Last summer the wasps were terrible here to. This summer I did not see too many of them. Also be careful about having open soda cans in the yard while gardening. Yes, it was hot out and I took a big gulp and got stung in the throat. The stupid part is someone asking me "what stung me" ! If I knew something was in there I would not have drank it!

It wasn't a bad year here at all for wasps. Usually I get stung a couple of times, but none this year. My husband is allergic to them too, and has an epipen. Maybe they're declining`````hope, hope.

I had one side of my barn re-sided this summer. Removing the old siding revealed several wasp nests -- and a lot of angry wasps. We were prepared though -- had cans of wasp spray waiting!! We'll go through this with the other three sides, I'm sure.

This year was not too bad for wasps here either. Last year was very bad. One stung my next door neighbor and he died on his living room floor before the ambulance arrived. I think the unusually cold winter may have killed a lot of them. I did not have to fight fire ants everyday this year either. I only had one sting from them and poisoned that nest. I hope they do not return for many years in the numbers they were here in the previously hot dry years.

Bonnie, I'm so sorry to hear about your neighbor! How awful!

The fire ants have been horrible here this year. I get bit frequently while working in the yard. I have to 'keep moving' (picture me dancing!! ) when I work near them so they don't get a chance to crawl up onto my feet!

Yikes! I didn't think we had fire ants in California.

The Paper Wasps we have are relatively benign unless their nest is disturbed. The yellow-jackets, however, are quite aggressive. Their nests are in the ground and Dave ran over one with the tractor mower. I think the mower probably sliced and diced a good number before they found him, but he did get nailed a few times on the head. No one stings my baby and gets away with it. I went out that evening and poisoned the nest.

It's pouring here in N. CA! Exciting!

Jan!!!

Our wasps are the same -- don't bother you unless you disturb a nest. Unfortunately, sometimes you disturb a nest without being aware of it.........

That's my worst nightmare though -- running over a ground nest of yellow jackets. No way to avoid it -- no way to avoid the reprecussions.

There are two kinds of fire ant. The ones we have are the Southern Fire Ant. The ones that we don't want (although I think they have been reported is some parts of California) because they are more aggressive are called the Red Imported Fire Ant.

There are photos of both and many other ants found in California on this website:
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG...

This year because of the drought the ant populations have gone crazy and we have many more than usual. Whenever I work in the yard I have to be careful because odds are there is a nest somewhere close by.

yikes, I hope they don't come north. We have enough trouble with the carpenter ants.

I hope the harsh winter killed a lot of them. I did notice that we had fewer this year, thankfully!

The wasps have been relatively few this year in NC. Even the mud daubers didn't construct much. We have had a lot more bees though. And I have noticed that we have had very very few flies around. I usually have to deal with them while painting my house, but I have had none.

All that makes for a very pleasant season!!

Wonderful! I did notice we had less flies this year. However we are deluged with those biting Japanese lady beetles. Darn things.

We have a glut of those Asian beetles, as well, Polly ! As soon as the farmers start harvesting the soybeans....those darn beetles all move into town, it seems ! They stink, bite like dogs, and just general y make pests of themselves ! The box elder bugs are having a hay day this year as well.

We have a soybean grower nearby. I wonder if that's the big attraction. I forgot to say how much they stink.

I *may* have my "bugs" mixed up, but I believe the Asian beetle was intentionally imported to prey on a type of aphid in the soybean fields. I do know they have almost eliminated the 'native' ladybug(red, with dark spots)....you hardly ever see one here, anymore...just those "pumpkin orange" rascals, some spotted, some not.

That explains it, then. I wish they would import them back, our garage is filled with them. Only a few in the house.

We hardly ever see the original ladybug, either. What a loss.

We ARE a nation of immigrants!