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In reply to Post #50
Well she did tell him she wanted return to the UK walking like John Wayne 
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In reply to Post #50
Ouchy!
I am laughing...sympathetically...
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We are now coming into my favourite time of year for fishing here in southern Spain ...but its the worst time of year for aggressive wasps
i am usually forced off the banks by wasps ..once you have 20 or 30 around you they seem to become aggitated with each other and then eventually take it out on me  last time i had 3 stings under 1 eye and i looked like the elephant man for a week
last week a mate was over from UK and drove up to the lake for a look around and a chat with me ...he brought his Mrs with him and she needed to have a wee ...so she wandered off in the trees away from us and then we heard a scream and we legged it to where she was crying her eyes out and quite hysterical running around ....she had been stung on a very intimate part of her antomy whilst squatting over a wasp nest 
i personally didnt have a look but my mate said it didnt look right  and kept saying have a look will you and what can we do !!!!! ...so i got him to cover it in Fenistil pain relief stuff and drive her home quickly as she was in a serious amount of pain ...im told by my mrs that it looked really bad and it was swollen for a week which obvoiusly seriously curtailed there romance for the rest of the holiday 
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I fished my favourite France venue late august 2020 for the 1st time. Setup the swim and opened a 2.5l tub of tiger nuts. No word of a lie I was swarmed by 50+ wasps. I spent the majority of that week in my bivvy with my tigernuts wrapped in a black bag.
I put some of the tigernut juice in a make shift bottle wasp trap and caught hundreds of them
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In reply to Post #1
Burn some coffie in a pot it will keep them away...
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In reply to Post #46
I set up in a tight little swim by a fallen tree, thought there were a few wasps about but I'm not fussed about them so carried on. Turns out that they had made their nest in a the dead tree roots.
I watched them fly in and out all day on their little missions, it was interesting to watch. Reminded me of the Heathrow flight path, one after the other, after the other.
Fun fact, there are 7,000 different species of wasp in the UK alone.
Hornet's I'm not so happy about being around.
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In reply to Post #2
I read that too the other day, something to do with the hotter the year the quicker the workers mature and when there are no grubs left as the queen stops laying preparing for winter it's basically everyone for themselves.
I thought there were lots of the buggers around here a month ago, seems to have eased a bit as of late. I'm guessing less moths etc due to caterpillar carnage from the Wasps but it's natures cycle.
Many years ago in France I set up on a point, bivvy facing lake, all day it was apparent I was in the flight path of a wood Hornet nest, but they kept veering up and away so no probs.....What I didn't know is that they remain active all night and it would appear they couldn't see the bivvy as it's was open and I guess the rear being black fitted in with the forrest behind lovely. 1st one to hit the back of the bivvy while I was in bed scared the living daylights out of me ( I hate Wasps/Hornets), then another, then another...wth I packed up from that spot there and then!
Another time, same lake, we had a large tarp between some trees, social area under, petrol Coleman dual mantle on, it attracted the bloody things like a magnet
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In reply to Post #1
I got stung on the arse July 2019 bivvied up about 7 metres from a wasps nest in the ground. After that I bought some wasp killer (powder) and did a night time raid, puffed the wasp nest with the powder and did a hasty retreat. Next time I went fishing a few days later only a few wasps left and didnt look very well, they didnt give me any hastle ! The following week I went back and the wasp nest was dug up (a remote secret swim) I was thinking another angler fishing my swim ay ay, on closer inspection I could see claw marks on the side of the hole and remembered a Badger one night previously rummaging and making his way through the undergrowth at the back of my swim.
Fast forward to last weekend on Sunday morning my swim was crawling with wasps feeding on honeydew, how I didnt get stung I dont know ? more interested in the honeydew ! But I did find a tick just got stuck on to the fleshy part of my lower right thumb. 1st time Ive had a problem with them, horrible little critters !
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In reply to Post #43
That's terrible, got any spam links you'd like to share?
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In reply to Post #42
I hate ants. Those tiny creatures bother me every time I see them. Tbh, I’ve tried everything to get rid of them, from salt to soda, etc. Nothing has helped.
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In reply to Post #11
We had a hornet buzzing round our BBQ yesterday evening. Guy came round for a chat and as soon as it came near him he literally punched it out of the air and stamped on it. Me and my mate were speechless 
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30 odd years ago I worked on the docks and we used to have a fair bit of timber from Europe and the far east, whilst using the odd bits of timber I'd sometimes come across big foreign wasps that looked dead.
After hours in the sun they would wake, stubble around then fly off, I wondered if they survived for long or would be able to reproduce etc.
What else came in on those ships?
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https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=trP-4gSfoEY
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In reply to Post #24
Agreed - I stumbled on a Hornet's nest whilst lure fishing along a fenland drain - it was a pretty remote spot, as I'd walked 3 miles from the nearest access point... anyway, they'd made their home in a dead tree stump. Something had disturbed them, probably one of the cows in the field, I don't know, but when several started coming my way, I gave the whole thing a very wide birth! There were hundreds of them and they looked angry... I'd love to have gotten a picture of them all swarming around the tree, but life's too short for that ****! Having said that, I often come across them at this time of year - they like to feed on the apples that fall from the trees in my garden. Quite funny seeing them getting pissed and having trouble taking off...
Wasps? Different story there, they'll just attack you if you annoy them - I once had to get an ambulance for a young lad who set up his bivvy over a wasps nest. He was just putting the groundsheet in and then I heard this screaming - he ran out and clearly a few followed him. He ripped off his T shirt and trousers, as they'd got inside his clothing. He was very badly stung and in shock. I did what I could to keep him calm and guided the ambulance down to the water by phone. So, just check you don't ever set-up in a swim with a wasp nest in it!
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In reply to Post #34
That's because the media gets confused with the Giant Asian Hornet. These can cause life threatening injuries to humans and have been found in the United States and are of real concern.
Asian Hornets finding there way into the UK are slightly smaller than our European Hornet but they are extremely aggressive and will wipe out honey bee colonies given the chance. Bees in other countries are slowly starting to fight back though. When an Asian Hornet Scout enters a hive, the bees vibrate their wings which increases the temperature by a couple of degrees. The Hornet Scout cannot withstand the heat and subsequently dies preventing an attack.
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In reply to Post #34
I've only seen hornets twice and that was many years ago. I am never going anywhere near them again. If I see one I'm running away. I once had wasps fly up my trouser leg and got stung 11 times. Sod getting stung by a hornet.
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In reply to Post #33
Thats right the Asian Hornet is a risk to bee colonies but not us.
American media have been hyping it up hence the nickname but in reality its no greater risk to humans than the European Hornet
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I googled it
The Asian hornets, also known as yellow-legged hornets, received the affable ‘killer’ moniker for their ability to kill those with allergies with just one sting — this is no more dangerous, however, than native European wasps and hornets.
The real danger lies with their ability to devastate native bee populations.
Asian hornets feed on honeybees. They have the ability to eat up to 50 bees per day, and have been known to wipe out entire colonies.
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In reply to Post #26
unfortunately they have a massive problem with asian hornets and they are very deadly. not only can they sting they can also spit venom. the team sent in to destroy them wear 6mm thick suits to stop their stingers getting through. there has been nests in jersey and kent but not many yet but they are on the way.
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In reply to Post #30
It's true that hornets are generally quiet and peaceable if left alone and don't pester humans, to the point where most people have never seen one and are highly unlikely to get stung. My point is to keep it that way because they are genuinely dangerous creatures if they attack in numbers and their sting is far more powerful because the large amount of venom contains very large amounts of acetylcholine which is a powerful Neuro transmitter, hence the pain.
I used to keep bees and as I had all the gear was often asked to remove wasps nests around the village which I was happy to do, wasp grubs and comb is a fantastic chub bait. I've been stung many times by wasps and bees and I'm not particularly bothered by them. Had to stop keeping them as my son developed an allergy.
On the 3 occasions I have seen people stung by hornets they looked like they had been hit by a hammer and it took a week or more for the swelling, pain and irritation to go and the sting left scarring. That's one sting.
I would not recommend sharing a swim with a nest of them.
Glad you left them in peace, fascinating creatures.
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In reply to Post #24
I would rather trust a hornet than a wasp.
When I was growing up we had a hornets nest in our loft and quite often needed to evict ones that took a wrong turn and ended up in the bedrooms. No one ever got stung by them during the time the nest was active.
I’ve had a hornets nest in one of my sheds and they were quite happy to share the shed without getting possessive, they did draw the line when I needed my ladder that they built a corner of their nest on though.
Growing up in the country side I’ve come across quite a few nests of both species in my time, been stung by both and yes it does smart a bit but I’ve found wasps tend to be much more aggressive and especially intolerant of close approaches to their nest. Any closer than 3 or 4 metres seemed to trigger a warning or attack.
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In reply to Post #28
I like your confidence. I prefer distance sticks. Very long distance. Seriously the genuine article are dangerous creatures that need extreme respect. Still you'll smell nice in A&E.
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Hi All
Bees, wasps and hornets
Unless you've camped on a nest peppermint incense sticks will sort you out.
Not only do they solve the problem, but they also make the bivvy smell tip top, and a recent experience leads me to think snakes aren't too keen on them either
Best
Jon
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In reply to Post #26
Had one come into the house a few years back. Like a half.smoked cigar with the accuracy of flight like a drone.
Came in through the patio doors from the woods behind us.
Straight past me and the missus. All the way through the through room to the front window. Jinked backwards then sideways to face back out and left.
Phew
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In reply to Post #25
They are f##king massive in the UK. If its not well over an inch long it's not a hornet, very few people ever see one fortunately.
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In reply to Post #24
Me neither, they're f##king massive in France
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In reply to Post #23
From long experience NEVER take a liberty with or near hornets. Never been stung myself but have seen 3 people collect one over the years. The old country wisdom is a dozen hornets can kill a horse( not saying its true) The most gnarled and grizzled old keeper or rabbit clearance chap will be up on his toes and off if they accidentally wind up a colony. Moving very fast in the general direction of away is the one. Definitely wouldn't fish a peg with a hornets nest anywhere near it. Usually the nests are quite high up fortunately.
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In reply to Post #11
In France and few years back I bivvied near a hornets nest.
I was on the other side of a decent sized swim. I leant nothing against the tree and we left each other alone.
Bit then a thunder and lightning storm came along and they got agitated. In the rain around 2am I'm playing a fish as far from the nest as I can. But a few are flying around. Suddenly I feel like somone has punched or stabbed me in the top of the thigh.
On inspection later I had a one inch horizontal rip in my cargos
And a sting that you couod still see signs of many years later.
How fierce are their stings to slash my strides as they go in?
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In reply to Post #1
Looking for or feeding on aphids perhaps, they like snacking on greenfly
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Wasps are nasty, I'm afraid when encountering any kind of wasp—trying to run as faster as possible. I had a nest in the yard. While my kids were playing there, they disturb the wasp nests. It was a horror. My kids were running and screaming that they were coming; they were coming. It was hilarious, and at the same time, I was horrified. Shortly, I had to look for solutions to get rid of them. I read here that the best solution is to buy Viper Insecticide, mix it with water, and pour it into their nests. It worked perfectly.
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In reply to Post #1
I recall seeing some tit set his bivvy up on top of a wasp nest - I'd already walked past the swim for that very reason. He starts to put his gear in and they poured out and starting stinging him. He literally stripped himself down to his undercrackers, as they'd gone up his shirt sleeves and trousers. I did feel a bit sorry for him, but by God it was funny watching this fella running around in his pants, screaming like a little girl... so, my advice, don't set up in a swim with a wasp nest in it!
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In reply to Post #15
Got stung by one on Friday night.
Apparently they get the right hump if you push a bankstick through their nest while you're setting up!
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I was being pestered by a wasp last year, lashed out at it with a pair of forceps that were in my hand and caught it by the head mid air. One of my proudest angling achievements to date.
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In reply to Post #15
They seem to love vape clouds
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In reply to Post #14
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In reply to Post #13
I was stung by one last year whilst on the bank.
It was in a can of orange juice that I took a drink from and it stung me on the inside of my mouth
Fortunately I had just picked away
Within minutes my face had swollen up and I had a rash all over my body
I rang 911 for advice and they dispatched an ambulance to me
I was put straight onto a drip and kept in until the swelling had gone down
The concern was if the bite was far enough into my mouth the swelling could close off my throat and it could stop me breathing
I would recommend every angler carry anti histamine as this is what I was given to stop the swelling
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In reply to Post #1
Short version
They were happy as workers, at this time of year the queen dosn't need them, so, they are out of the nest looking for something to eat and do before they die, that's it.
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In reply to Post #6
Like it alot Jon
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There are lots about at the moment,....Hornets though are a different level altogether....🙁
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In reply to Post #9
Maybe the scared cat was allergic , maybe one sting could kill him , there's a thought 
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I had a thriving wasps nest in one of my bird boxes but they've all flown for the reasons described by Bradford. But wasps aren't that big a problem.
I always laugh when some big tattooed bloke starts hopping around like a scared cat when a Jasper flies around his head. Just stand or sit still and they accept you as part of their route back and forth and ignore you. They rarely attack if unprovoked.... but check your food before sticking it in yer mouth, they are crunchy and make your face swell up.
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In reply to Post #6
Once the blackberries start rotting , and the wasps get drunk on them , it'll be like most towns on a Friday/ Saturday night 😟
Being allergic to them , I hate this time of year , need eye's in the back of your head lol
This is a handy tool for them though ,and works 😁
http://www.theexecutioner.co.uk/html/about.html
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In reply to Post #6
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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In reply to Post #3
So their missus goes off the boil and they go to eat and sit about by the lake...
Interesting 🧐
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That seemed to like the willow trees more for some reason.
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In reply to Post #1
They're probably just after food,. The tree might be holding a lot of it for them, hedges and bushes certainly do. Or they have a nest in the tree or under the bush?
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In reply to Post #2
Something about her stopping producing a certain pheromone so the workers basically turn into senseless drones that are hungry all the time.
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In reply to Post #1
I saw something wrote about this time of year and wasps the other day but never read all of it! They are looking for something but I can’t remember what 🤦♂️ I think it has to do with only the queens live on through the winter (hibernate) so the workers are prob getting ready to die off. I will see if I can find it as what I just wrote is prob wrong 😂😂
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Noticed the last few times I've been over my local lakes there have been a lot of wasp about. That seem to be on the trees and bushes. And buzzing around you. Don't no what thay are after on the trees. As that are not on the flowers just mainly on the main stems. Is there a lot on your lakes
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