The Wasp Whisperer

I have a new nickname...the wasp whisperer. A friend of mine gave it to me the other day after some gardening we were doing together. As we were working, a wasp kept flying around me and upon noticing it, she shrieked, "There's a wasp by you!" and jumped away from me, even though she was already at least ten feet away from me at the time.

I said I knew the wasp was there and it was ok. She told me I was going to get stung and I told her I wasn't. As the wasp hovered around me I softly told him, "baby, you can't be here right now, I've got to get this done. Remember, we have to share the yard. Now go on." He flew off and did not return.

I know what you're thinking right now...what a kook this woman is! I don't blame you, but let me explain. First of all, I have always loved animals and this includes insects too. Now I don't keep insects as pets, so I'm not as crazy as you probably think I am. But in their own environment, meaning outside, I love watching them and feel they have a right to be there. This is their world too.

I have never been afraid of bees or wasps in general. If I saw a huge swarm coming at me, I would run like the wind for safety, but one on one I am totally comfortable. I always found that if one comes close, if I just move slowly and talk to them, they leave me alone. I talk softly and tell them the yard belongs to both of us so they need to let me do my work. Don't ask me why, but they go away. Could be they think I'm crazy too...haha!

I never thought anything about this until my friend saw me and she was amazed. She couldn't believe I was so calm and that the wasp left. We talked about how I have always done this and just never thought about it. She finally said, "You're the wasp whisperer!" We laughed about it and finished our gardening.

I know most people freak out when a bee or wasp comes near them and they either start waving their arms at them or run. Worst thing you can do! This just makes them scared and/or angry and it's at that point you're likely to get stung. It may be that they smell your fear and react to that. I guess I'm lucky because I never am afraid, so they don't feel threatened by me.

Maybe they feel the love I have for them. Maybe they just like me. Maybe they think I'm one of them. Maybe they like being talked to. I don't know why they listen to me and probably never will, but I'm glad they do. I have a lot of wasps and bees in my yard and we all get along fine. We share the yard and have respect for each other.

You may never be as comfortable around a bee or wasp as I am, but if you do come into contact with one, try to remain calm and slowly move away if you want to leave. I really think the calm, slow movement keeps them from attacking. You might even try talking to them...you might be the next wasp whisperer!