Is there anything we can do about wasps?
I used to get quite wound up by wasps. Since then I have learned a lot about them and how to manage them better. The key thing is to take an interest in them, recognise they are hunting food (not trying to attack me) and will soon go away if they find none. A gentle shooing rather than aggressive strike at them is usually more effective if they seem persistent. I think that the reason why they are so common is that they feed on the nectar of the abundant Hymalayan Balsam. The biggest problems seem to be when they get into clothing.
Here are some useful quotes:-
Should a bee or wasp fly near you, slowly raise your arms to protect your face and stand still or move slowly away through bushes or indoors to escape. Never move rapidly, which often provokes attack. Never strike or swing at a wasp or bee against your body since it may be trapped causing it to sting. If crushed, it could incite nearby yellowjackets into a frenzied attack. The wasp venom contains a chemical "alarm pheromone," released into the air, signaling guard wasps to come and sting whomever and whatever gets in their way.
Since perfume, hair spray, hair tonic, suntan lotion, aftershave lotions, heavy-scented shampoos, soaps and many other cosmetics attract insects, they should be avoided. Avoid shiny buckles and jewelry. Wear a hat and closed shoes (not sandals). Don't wear bright, colored, loose-fitting clothing, which may attract and trap insects. Flowery prints and black especially attract insects.
There is an native trick that works great for repelling yellow jackets. Get a small paper lunch bag and fill it with a crumpled piece of paper so it keeps it's shape. Tie a string to it and hang it from a corner of your house or tree where you want to work. Wasps are territorial and visual in nature, they mistake the paper bag for another nest and will stay away.
