hornets and yellow jackets can be beneficial because they prey on many insects that we consider to be pests...they alternatively serve as food for bears, skunks, birds and other insects

a honey bee stinger is barbed which prevents the bee from stinging repeatedly...as a result the only way a honey bee can escape is to leave the stinger and the venom sac in the victim at the expense of its own life

if stung by a honey bee scrape the stinger off the skin to prevent pinching the venom sac's contents into the wound

you'll always know when a polistes wasp is about to attack...when the nest is approached the sentry wasps will face the intruder and raise the front of their bodies...if you proceed any closer you are too close and an attack will occur if you continue

wasps love the odour of fish or meat and will be extra persistent around your hands and lips at a picnic...also beer, wine and orange soda will attract them...either sweet carbs or alcohol are their favourite

consider your wardrobe when outside in the summer...bees, wasps and hornets find white, beige and green boring but love floral patterns

more wardrobe hints..don't wear a light coloured shirt with dark buttons as this instigates foraging behaviour by wasps who will try to enter your button (resembles a hole) seeking prey

remember that bees, wasps and hornets are quite shock resistant due to their hard bodies..a badly stunned or partially crushed wasp should not be picked up since the stinging reflex may still survive