A wasp invasion, you say?
Aug 28th, 2009 by Laura Reinsborough
Recent news reports have all been saying the same thing: Toronto is being invaded by wasps!
A mild winter and wet summer are being blamed in part, but the garbage strike has also provided an abundance of food for these creatures.
From Not Far From The Tree’s firsthand perspective, it is easily apparent that wasps do indeed have a great deal to survive and thrive on. Unpicked fruit trees leave a delicious feast underneath their canopies, perfect for wasps to enjoy and set up homes nearby.
Before thinking to remove a wasp nest, however, take a moment to learn why these are beneficial insects. And to avoid the risk of stings when you’re picking your fruit tree, simply hang up a fake nest to temporarily deter wasps from coming nearby, as Not Far From The Tree has started doing this year.
You Grow Girl’s post about this subject has a video of wasps eating a dead cicada on the sidewalk! http://yougrowgirl.com/thedirt/2009/09/04/wasp-invasion/
They’ve been eating our honey bees too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POuz1PTv1NQ
While I’m sad to see our honey bees suffering I’ve been fascinated with their ability to deal with waste. Of course the gardener in me is quite content with their presence amoungst the veggies.