A unique natural architect, the bald-faced hornet makes its nest from "paper" manufactured by mixing weathered wood and saliva.
Study of the natural history and behavior of bees and wasps can be a rewarding pastime. One way to familiarize yourself with these insects is to collect some and examine them under magnification. Basic collecting equipment is an insect net, a killing jar, insect pins, a box to store the specimens, and labels to indicate where and when each was collected. Insect field guides, which can be found in most book stores and libraries, describe and illustrate collecting procedure. Most give addresses of companies that sell collecting equipment. Field guides and a hand lens will help with many identifications; university libraries and natural history museums will have more detailed identification manual.
Bees and wasps are among the few kinds of insects that make nests. Nest observations can provide a great deal of information about their builders. Little is known about most bee and wasp species in missouri. Nests of many solitary species have never been described. One way to learn more about them is to set out hollow sticks such as bamboo, blackberry canes with the pith removed, or blocks of wood with small holes drilled into but not through them. Sticks and wood blocks should be straight-grained, since these are easily split open with a knife or chisel. These "trap nests" can be placed individually or in bundles at the edge of a woods, along a fence row or stream, in a garden, etc; they should be several feet above the ground where they are easy to inspect. Different habitats will have different species of wasps and bees-social bees and wasps will not nest in trap nests. Discoveries can be made by watching a female provision her nest. A nest can be placed in a jar when it has been completed (for instance, when a "cap" is present at the entrance), and the offspring can be collected for identification when they emerge as adults. Or, the development and feeding behavior of the young insects may be studied or the prey identified by carefully opening the nest.
Stings. A normal response to the painful stings of large or social species is immediate pain at the sting site, often followed by local swelling and irritation. The intense pain doesn't last long, and the swelling disappears after a few hours. Itching and mild irritation may persist for a day or two. You should inform a physician if your reaction includes unusual swelling or irritations, or if these symptoms occur some distance away from the sting site. Severe reactions are rare but may include an increased heart rate; rapid, shallow, or labored breathing; or shock. Such reactions are life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment. Persons allergic to bee and/or wasp venom can buy sting kits by prescription at most pharmacies.
The risk of being stung can be lessened by following a few precautions and using common sense. Wear shoes outdoors. Be watchful for nests. Wear light colored (preferably white or tan) clothing. In late summer, when yellowjackets are at their peak, plan fewer outdoor barbecues. Avoid wearing perfumes or perfumed hair sprays or lotions when outdoors. If a forager is near you, move slowly away from it; if one lands on you gently brush or coax it off. NEVER SWAT AT A WASP OR BEE! Don't let children throw rocks at paper wasp or hornet nests.
Control. Solitary species of bees and wasps rarely become a problem requiring control. Occasionally large ground-nesting species such as cicada killers construct nests in dense aggregations. The presence of many buzzing, menacing-looking insects alarms some people. It is best to remember, though, that solitary species are not aggressive and pose no threat.
Social species are highly beneficial, but they often locate their nests "too close for comfort" to human activities. Aerial nests (bald-faced hornet and paper wasps) can be eliminated with long-distance knock-down sprays sold in garden shops, nurseries and some hardware stores; household insect sprays are inadequate and dangerous for use on social wasps. Ground nests of yellowjackets may be controlled with dusts (5 percent carbaryl) and water-soluble insecticides (propoxur). A beekeeper's veil and protective clothing are a must. The nest should be treated at dusk or after dark. Nests in buildings "under floors, between walls) require professional treatment. IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO STINGS, NEVER RISK EXTERMINATING A NEST.
The sting habits of some wasps and bees have given an undeserved reputation to their many kin. By becoming more familiar with these often beautiful insects one can reduce apprehension and perhaps even increase appreciation. Wasps and bees are important members of natural communities. They merit respect not only for the threat a few pose but for the many benefits they all provide.
Reprinted from the Missouri Conservationist
Copyright 1987 Missouri Conservation Commission
Missouri Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Content revision: 20030731
