Keep an eye out for nature's empty-nesters

You can always tell those empty-nesters. Without the worries of taking care of the youngsters, they're ready to go out on the town. You can find them hanging around picnic tables, slurping up sugary drinks and wine, flitting into your kitchen looking to share a meal, interrupting conversations while offering their sometimes-stinging opinions. They can become a real pest. Of course, I'm talking about those annoying yellow jacket wasps, and they are at their peskiest in the late summer and fall. There are no more developing larvae to feed so workers are foraging randomly for themselves. Yellow jackets are sometimes mistaken for bees, but they're really wasps with very distinct yellow and black markings. They are predatory social-living wasps and, like other wasps, make a paper nest, usually underground in stump holes, or under shrubs. They will use sheltered areas like old buildings, barns and hollow trees. They also have a propensity of finding the smallest opening to get into your home, causing havoc around the dining room table or any sunlit window. They can become increasingly aggressive in gathering food and are more likely to sting during this time. Also in the fall, their food interests switch from proteins to sweets. You'll find them eating fallen fruit, crawling into your soda can and invading your ice tea and wine. That can lead to a rather nasty, unintentional kiss. To avoid a sting, pour drinks into a glass so that you can spot an intruder before the drink touches your lips. It's also a good idea to avoid a wild swat since a miss can result in a defensive move on their part. Whenever possible, leave yellow jacket nests alone and let them continue to prey on pest insects; the ensuing cold weather will cause the colony to die off. However, if the nest is in a well-traveled area and poses a risk, you may need to take action. The easiest and safest option is to hire a professional and most counties have many who can help you take some of that busy-buzzing out of your life. If you're determined to do it yourself, know that the likelihood of getting stung is high. You can minimize the risk by applying control measures on a cool evening. The insects will be back home from the day's foraging, and they're more sluggish in cool temperatures. Remember that a sting can be fatal for those who suffer from an anaphylactic shock reaction to bee and wasp stings. Even if you are stung by one of these little buzz-bombs and don't suffer from allergic reactions, it's still going to hurt. There are commercial sting remedies available, but many swear by home remedies and concoctions applied to the sting site: a paste of baking soda and water; meat tenderizer containing papain, such as Adolf's; the cut side of an onion; a damp tea bag; toothpaste; and finally, what could be better treatment for these little pains in the butt but Preparation H. While annoying, yellow jackets aren't our enemy when their wanderings are kept in check. It's good to keep in mind that all wasps and bees, including yellow jackets, are beneficial, by eating pest insects and/or as pollinators for fruits, flowers and farm crops of all types. "If I be waspish, best beware my sting." ― William Shakespeare Along the way The Division of Wildlife is proud of the wildlife specialist partnership it has with Soil and Water Conservation Districts, now marking 25 years of providing technical assistance to landowners for habitat management, education, safety, and more. The partnership began in 1997 between the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Division of Soil and Water Conservation (now part of Ohio Department of Agriculture), and the Division of Wildlife, with support from the Ohio Farm Bureau. The program arose to provide technical assistance to farmers suffering crop damage from wildlife. In 1998, 12 wildlife specialists were hired in 15 counties to educate farmers and landowners on resolving wildlife damage. Today, the partnership has expanded to 20 wildlife specialists in 20 counties. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) wildlife specialists provide wildlife damage and nuisance wildlife assistance, as well as support with wildlife habitat management, conservation programs, wildlife-related education, hunter safety, and more. Wildlife specialists are county employees. The Division of Wildlife contributes a portion of the specialists' salaries and provides administrative support. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation provides administrative support. Wildlife specialists currently service Adams, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Columbiana, Erie, Fairfield, Guernsey, Hocking, Knox, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Ottawa, Ross, Scioto, Seneca, Union, Vinton and Washington counties. Step outside •Buying the collectable Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp allows wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to directly impact the future of Ohio's native animals. For $15 you'll receive the stamp, window cling, and commemorative card. Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold are invested in the state's Wildlife Diversity Fund. It supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, and efforts that restore and conserve endangered and threatened species. No state tax dollars are contributed to this fund. Order a stamp for $15 through the Ohio's Wildlife Licensing System at home or at any store that sells hunting and fishing licenses. Visit www.wildohio.gov and follow the green "How Can We Help" prompts and click on the "Wildlife Legacy Stamp" for all the details. At the store, tell the clerk you'd like to purchase a Legacy Stamp. You will receive your stamp in the mail in about four to six weeks, whether you buy from home or at a store. •Tuesday and Thursday: Hunter Education Course, 5p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. Carey Conservation Club, 2877 Township Highway 106, Carey. Seats are available! Register online by following the prompts at www.wildohio.gov or go directly to the site at https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/education-training/hunter-education/huntered-courses •2022 Deer Seasons: Archery: Sept. 24-Feb. 5; Youth Gun: Nov. 19-Nov. 20; Gun: Nov. 28-Dec. 4; Dec. 17-Dec. 18; Muzzleloader: Jan. 7-Jan. 10. •Tomorrow: Trap Shoot, 1 p.m. Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186. •Thursday-Friday: Trap and Skeet, open to the public. 5 p.m. UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243, Findlay. •Hunter and Trapper Education Class information and registration is found online at www.wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. Locally, contact 419-424-5000. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com