Paper wasps would rather bump you with their heads than sting. They are chill, and I’ve worked around them and left nests where I walk because they don’t bother me unless I get really close (and flail, that resulted in a sting).
There is a nest of paper wasps living beside my garden. They’re allowed to stay as long as I’m here because I haven’t had an aphid problem since they moved in.
Check out the book Endless Forms. It’s an interesting exploration of types of wasps and hornets.
Also, the last house I lived in had wasps and yellow jackets all over the yard. I only got stung twice, both times by yellow jackets, because I once mowed their nest, and another time when my dog stuck his whole head in another nest. If you don’t have threatening energy, they have no concern for you
I disagree with how benevolent this infographic paints wasps. Wasps bad. Wasps very bad.
Paper wasps would rather bump you with their heads than sting. They are chill, and I’ve worked around them and left nests where I walk because they don’t bother me unless I get really close (and flail, that resulted in a sting).
There is a nest of paper wasps living beside my garden. They’re allowed to stay as long as I’m here because I haven’t had an aphid problem since they moved in.
The ecosystem services wasps provide are worth billions per year, and if you’ve got the flowers they need they’re generally pretty docile.
Wasps are great. Fantastic pest control for gardeners. Especially if they are a “general purpose” predator
Check out the book Endless Forms. It’s an interesting exploration of types of wasps and hornets.
Also, the last house I lived in had wasps and yellow jackets all over the yard. I only got stung twice, both times by yellow jackets, because I once mowed their nest, and another time when my dog stuck his whole head in another nest. If you don’t have threatening energy, they have no concern for you