Tips For Handling Yellowjackets (Wasps, Particularly Vespula Alascensis)

 The Wasps known in these parts as yellowjackets (Vespula Alascensis for those of you into the whole scientific classification thing) are particularly nasty insects when they are bothered, and individual yellowjackets can sting a person multiple times if so inclined.

I write from personal experience. This past weekend I stumbled across a yellowjacket nest that was located along the side of a house. The nest was in the ground - yellowjackets, as I painfully discovered, nest in the ground.

The nest was obscured by tall grass, weeds, and small stacks of lumber and dead tree branches. My passage along the side of the house was enough to disturb the nest and subsequently I was attacked by at least 7 of the little f*ckers.

The sting of a yellowjacket hurts. It feels like being jabbed by a tiny white-hot needle, and the sensation lingers - it's not one-and-done, it's one-and-let's-make-sure-you-know-you've-been-stung.

First aid for a yellowjacket sting is simple: wash the sting with warm water and soap, then apply some ice to the area to reduce swelling. Calamine lotion or a topical antihistamine slathered over the bite will help with the itching.

It's been two days since I incurred the stings, and while the swelling has indeed gone down there is still a small itching sensation at each area that was stung.

So, my advice for handling yellowjackets is simple.

1) Don't

2) Run away