Here is a photo of a creature who seems to like my home. The guy meets the description of a jellow jacket. According to a website about these insects, The Bee Hunter only tries to save honey bees. So, what to do with yellow jackets?
Consider reading:
About Yellow Jackets and the Benefits of Wasps in the Garden. By Barbara Pleasant. March 18, 2013.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#axzz2UQzjysnA
"Yellow jackets wasps feed their young liquefied insects, with caterpillars, flies and spiders comprising the largest food groups in the yellow jacket diet during most of the summer."
Wasps and Yellow Jackets. By Jeff Schalau, County Director, Associate Agents, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arizona Cooperative Extension.
June 21, 2006.
This article includes advice on a homemade trap to use for outdoor picnics.
"Wasps and yellow jackets are beneficial insects. They feed their young on insects that would otherwise damage crops and ornamental plants in your garden...these insects should be respected and tolerated under most conditions."
Since the yellow jacket in the doorway appears to be a solitary insect, I'll see how it goes, and perhaps remove it some cool evening.
We can try to live with these insects. One piece of advice is to let the yellow jackets have access to the garden and yard during the hottest part of the day, when they like to be out. Since I personally have never liked gardening during the hottest part of the day, this gives me a reason to stay in cool shade and help Mother Nature's creatures go about their important business.
Also, we can remember that these insects will sting us if they are disturbed, so we can all exercise caution.
Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#ixzz2UR0pj9bv
References
About Yellow Jackets and the Benefits of Wasps in the Garden. By Barbara Pleasant. March 18, 2013.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/benefits-of-wasps-yellow-jackets-zw0z1303zkin.aspx#axzz2UQzjysnA
I.D. Your Bee. By The Bee Hunter. Referenced May 26, 2013.
http://www.thebeehunter.com/types-of-bees.html
