Buzzing with Fear or Fascination?
You’ll know Yellow jackets, they’re the common wasps with distinctive yellow and black stripes, the ones disturbing your picnic and trying to drink your fizzy pop. But before swatting away your uninvited guests, let’s take a quick look at these misunderstood insects (and I don’t mean from when you trap them under a beaker).
Habitat and Behavior: Neighbours in Disguise
Yellow jackets often build nests in the ground or in hidden cavities. On the one-hand it means you’re rarely aware of them but, on the other, it can sometimes mean you disturb them accidentally – leading to panic from you and them! Yellow jackets are both scavengers and predators and they play a crucial role in our ecosystem.
Although we only ever consider them as a nuisance, they play a role in controlling harmful insect populations in your garden and parks. They’re not stealthily tracking you with your picnic hamper; they are going about their usual day in their usual environment, but if someone offers you the chance at free food, would you turn them down?
Fascinating Facts: More Than Just a Sting
Did you know that yellow jackets live in complex social structures? Their colonies can house thousands of individuals and each has a specific role. From workers to queens, these insects operate with impressive coordination.
As we’ve touched upon, Yellow jackets are part of nature’s own pest control. They prey on many insects that can damage crops, making them unexpected allies to farmers and gardeners alike.
How to Deal with Yellow Jackets: Keep Calm and Picnic On
There’s nothing more common or bothersome than a wasp at a picnic. By following these tips you are giving yourself the best chance of enjoying your outdoor feast undisturbed:
- Keep your food covered and keep lids on drinks
- Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions
- Use sealed trash containers, for leftovers too
If you encounter a yellow jacket, remain calm. Of course, leaving the area will take you away from the stress but rushing around the picnic area in a panic or frenzy could, potentially, trigger a stress response in the wasp (and you know what that could mean). Most Yellow Jackets will leave you alone if undisturbed. Remember, their seemingly aggressive behaviour is often a defensive response to perceived threats and is, certainly, not directed at you personally..
Overcoming the Buzz of Fear
If the mere thought of yellow jackets sends you into a panic, you might be dealing with spheksophobia – the fear of wasps. While this is a very common fear, it doesn’t have to control your life or ruin your outdoor experiences.
At Creature Courage, we specialise in helping people overcome their fear of wasps and other insects. Through techniques like exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, we can help you transform your fear into fascination. Don’t let spheksophobia keep you indoors – contact Creature Courage today and reclaim your summer!