Wondering about wild grapes

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Sting Operation

I got caught in a sting operation.  According to thefreedictionary.com , a sting operation "is a complicated confidence came planned and executed with great care (especially an operation implemented by undercover agents to apprehend criminals)".  But I didn't have to go before a judge and his gavel.


No, I didn't get hauled in front of judge, I was attacked by red wasps.  They have started a nest just above our back door and when I opened the door and stepped out, wham, one hit me on my arm.  It stung me and I wiped it off and stepped on it three or four times.  Wanted to make sure it couldn't sting me again.  I got my camera and took a picture of the nest on my porch ceiling:



That was two days ago and my arm is still red and itchy.  I guess I had a reaction to the wasp's venom.  I have never had a reaction before and, yes, I have been stung before but it has been awhile.  The only reason that I posted about it, is because nothing special has been going on the last few days, so why not.  Now be careful around stinging insects and have a great day, you hear?






16 comments:

  1. Not much happening here, except heat and humidity, guess it makes those stinging critters more ornery than usual. I just caught the pictures of your Great grandson . Fine looking fellow, Congratulations GGpa!

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    1. I guess you wouldn't believe that it is cool and dry here. . . OH wait, I am just dreaming. Must be the heat. And yes, I have to agree that he is a fine looking fellow.

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  2. The Bayfield Bunch just had a session of bee stings also. In case you did not know it Pain Hurts.

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    1. No kidding, tell me about it. Being stung to death must be a horrible way to leave this life, getting shot by jealous husband is quicker.

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  3. I have an allergic reaction to bee stings... so far doesn't require an epi pen, but... not good. Bill, who has not only a stoic reaction to life, but his body also does to stings, is having a time with chigger bites. His worst chigger bites are in Texas... right now his ankles are a mass of red, swollen, itchy bites. So far I dont' have a one... but I do apply gobs of anti-itch stuff we bought either in Costa Rica or Mexico. Any of you out there have a remedy for these chigger bites? Help!

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    1. For the type of life and travels that you two live, it is amazing that you don't run into more exotic bits and stings. . . but no, you got to come back to Texas to get bit (grin)

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  4. I haven't been stung for ages, so I think I'll stay away from Texas until the wasps go back into hibernation.

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    1. Good idea. Don't you have wasps and hornets out your way?

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  5. Ouch! Hope the reaction goes away soon. It must be something in the venom of a red wasp that is different from other wasps. I have wasps around my house that love to build nests under the shutters. Nasty critters they are.

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    1. Swelling went down, hurt and itch went away, and am only left with a red spot where the sting was. Last night I wiped out the nest with some spray.

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  6. I have never seen red wasps before and I hope never to see them. Just read in Gypsy's blog that toothpaste is good to help the sting of a burn...might also work on a bee sting...couldn't hurt to try.

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    1. Yes, I read that tip on Gypsy's blog also, but the redness, soreness, and swelling have all gone away. I sure will remember her tip, especially since I see a new nest has formed already.

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  7. Nasty little buggers. Hope you feel better soon. Glad you didn't have a major reaction.

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    1. Those little buggers came back again, so I sprayed them again tonight.

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  8. I just knocked down a wasp nest in the same place...right above my back door. It was about the same size as the one in your picture.

    I wonder if they are trying to stay away from the rain?

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    1. Yep, they seem to always build their nests under eaves or under a porch roof.

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