When you and your shovel go out to the flower beds...

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

Last week I did one one of the few gardening chores that I still entertain at my age. Almost finished with lifting the iris to divide them ( they were in a hip high planting oval ), my shovel hit an in ground yellow jacket bee nest. They were very, very angry and kept biting my arm. One bite took a week for the angry red splotch to go away.

remember to not wear white clothing nor scent, and above all, cover your arms and legs---the latter I forgot about but never again!!!

HTH helps someone!

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

@jlkz, how scary is that! The whole neighborhood would have heard me! Are you ok?

This year I have been hearing several times about people mowing over a nest, walking on one, etc. I wonder what that means? I am on the east coast and the weather people are saying we are in for a much better winter than last year.

I haven't had your experience and hope not to! Hope you're healing ok. LM

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

actually, I didn't realize I had been bitten until the welts and itching began. I am fine now. Located in SE PA.

thanks for asking!!!

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

StylishLady · ‎03-11-2010

Yikes. I'm always alert of the possibility of hornets and other stinging insects. We have to keep a can of hornet spray handy at all times as they are always trying to build a nest somewhere. Just hope you are not allergic to their venom, and be aware of symptoms if you are.

JustJazzmom · ‎03-09-2010

Yellow jackets are starting to get antsy (when aren't they?)-- they will be going into hibernation soon so be careful out there!!

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

@jlkz wrote:
Last week I did one one of the few gardening chores that I still entertain at my age. Almost finished with lifting the iris to divide them ( they were in a hip high planting oval ), my shovel hit an in ground yellow jacket bee nest. They were very, very angry and kept biting my arm. One bite took a week for the angry red splotch to go away.

remember to not wear white clothing nor scent, and above all, cover your arms and legs---the latter I forgot about but never again!!!

HTH helps someone!

DH was digging a hole once, and was attacked by a swarm all about his head. He had to go to ER as his head began swelling. I found a nest last year, almost stepped in it, so had to destroy it.