Swamp Yankee
Addicted to ArboristSite
Heads up, they're out there
Never gave them a thought until this am. Was pulling tops this morning when I felt that unmistakeable pinch, and another, and another, etc. I was covered in wasps. Jumped off the tractor and ran for the truck. Who says a fat, old, and miserable sob can't leave posi Vibram marks on a skid trail while performing a medley of swatting dance steps worthy of a ballet audition when he has to?
Sat in the truck for 20 minutes until things calmed down, reached under the seat and grabbed my trusty can of Black Flag wasp and hornet spray and headed back in. Sprayed the few stragglers, and then I saw the nest, about four feet off the ground in the top I was pulling. Disconnected the choker and got the tractor on the trailer and took off. Maybe try again tomorrow.
Total damage, one above right eye, one on the bottom lip, three on the back of the head and neck, three on the left arm, four on the right, two or three on each leg (thank goodness for double fronts), and at least a half dozen on my back. I'm one sore puppy right now. As painful as this is right now, I guess I'm fortunate I'm not allergic like some people.
Painful lesson learned, from now on the bee spray goes with me in the tool bag and not under the seat of the truck. Also, had I spent a minute to look the top over before hitching I would have seen the nest and could have dealt with it pre-sting. A lot of times those little buggers are in the ground and you don't have a clue, but this battle didn't need to be fought if I was thinking and not been complacent.
Hope sharing this little episode may save somebody else the aggravation and discomfort. Starting to believe more and more, summers should be spent fishing, but then again I seem to remember a few Bill Dance bloopers starring bees.
Take Care
Never gave them a thought until this am. Was pulling tops this morning when I felt that unmistakeable pinch, and another, and another, etc. I was covered in wasps. Jumped off the tractor and ran for the truck. Who says a fat, old, and miserable sob can't leave posi Vibram marks on a skid trail while performing a medley of swatting dance steps worthy of a ballet audition when he has to?
Sat in the truck for 20 minutes until things calmed down, reached under the seat and grabbed my trusty can of Black Flag wasp and hornet spray and headed back in. Sprayed the few stragglers, and then I saw the nest, about four feet off the ground in the top I was pulling. Disconnected the choker and got the tractor on the trailer and took off. Maybe try again tomorrow.
Total damage, one above right eye, one on the bottom lip, three on the back of the head and neck, three on the left arm, four on the right, two or three on each leg (thank goodness for double fronts), and at least a half dozen on my back. I'm one sore puppy right now. As painful as this is right now, I guess I'm fortunate I'm not allergic like some people.
Painful lesson learned, from now on the bee spray goes with me in the tool bag and not under the seat of the truck. Also, had I spent a minute to look the top over before hitching I would have seen the nest and could have dealt with it pre-sting. A lot of times those little buggers are in the ground and you don't have a clue, but this battle didn't need to be fought if I was thinking and not been complacent.
Hope sharing this little episode may save somebody else the aggravation and discomfort. Starting to believe more and more, summers should be spent fishing, but then again I seem to remember a few Bill Dance bloopers starring bees.
Take Care
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