Wasp Invasion in Toronto

[NicNak]

I am posting this as a reminder to those who may be allergic to Wasps, Hornets or Bees. This artical mentions the "except for the tiny minority of people are allergic to stings" but from what I have been told, those who are allergic are usually quite severely allergie.

Just wanting to remind anyone who has severe allergies to ensure they always carry their EpiPens

Apparently this is a record number of Wasps in Toronto.

Move Over Fruit Flies, Wasps Invade Toronto

A combination of ideal weather — going back as far as last winter — and abundant food has seen a boom in Toronto’s wasp population

Although he hasn’t surveyed the population officially, informal observation tells Dr. Gibo that this has been an especially good year for wasps.

“It’s hard to explain fully because ecology is an inexact science,” he said. “The fact that I’m noticing them out in Mississauga suggests it’s not just the strike that’s to blame. But they’re a scavenger species and garbage provides a lot of food for them. What I can say is that it would have made it a lot easier for them to survive.”

Reg Ayre, a manager with Toronto Public Health, says Torontonians should console themselves with the fact that wasps are not a danger to public health, except for the tiny minority who are allergic to stings. He recommends residents with an infestation call in the professionals.

“The last thing we want is someone going out with a spray or some kind of chemical and using it inappropriately and in the process even get attacked by swarms of these things,” he said.

 

[Jazzey]

...All I have to say is that they better be gone before I come to T.O....I will not be a happy camper.

I'm part of the population who's allergic....

 

[coatbridge]

Hi Ya:

We haven't been able to get out in our backyard for over 2 weeks because of a yellow jacket wasp infestation above our back door. I finally had a pest control guy come last Friday & he said it was very dangerous & sprayed the area. Later on in the day I noticed they were coming in the back door so we kept our kitchen door sealed very tightly. I also noticed we have another infestation beneath our 3rd floor window, so another pest control guy is coming tomorrow.

My dad was already stung with one, but thankfully had no allergic reaction.

Scary stuff.

 

[NicNak]

I heard on the news tonight they said it is the worst Wasp infestation on record. That is why I wanting to post this.
I know many people who have allergies to wasp, hornet or bee stings so I thought it was important people are aware it is happening.

Also too, that it is dangerous to try to remove the nests by yourself too.

 

[ladylore]

That sounds just awful. The only infestation I remember when living in TO was something like gnats. These teeny teeny flies that flew in swarms. From afar they looked like a dark cloud (kinda) but way too close to the ground.

 

[NicNak]

That sounds just awful. The only infestation I remember when living in TO was something like gnats. These teeny teeny flies that flew in swarms. From afar they looked like a dark cloud (kinda) but way too close to the ground.

Eeeewwwww :yuck: I remember those I would rather have wasps. At least the wasps you can see. Those gnats I would be walking at the lake and walk into a cloud of them.

 

[ladylore]

You know what I mean. Cool (in a way). First time I saw them I was coming out of a restraunt and walked into a cloud of them. When I realized they were bugs I quickly closed my mouth.

I have never been stung, therefore I don't know if I am allergic or not. So the wasp thing would freak me out.

 

[NicNak]

You know what I mean. Cool (in a way). First time I saw them I was coming out of a restraunt and walked into a cloud of them. When I realized they were bugs I quickly closed my mouth.

:homer: Yum, protein :teehee:

I have never been stung, therefore I don't know if I am allergic or not. So the wasp thing would freak me out.

I have been stung a few times by hornets. Not very pleasant.

 

[Fiver]

You know what I mean. Cool (in a way). First time I saw them I was coming out of a restraunt and walked into a cloud of them. When I realized they were bugs I quickly closed my mouth.

:homer: Yum, protein :teehee:

Well then. Now I know what I'm getting Nakker for Christmas.

 

[Charity]

Oh man... I hope this doesn't make it down our direction. My husband IS allergic; he keeps an EpiPen at work and I have another in my purse. Plus, coincidentally, wasps/hornets are the subject of my one major phobia! I'm completely helpless-- for as long as I can remember, the sight or sound of a wasp sends me running and screaming before I even know what I'm doing. Then half the time, it turns out not to be a wasp at all, but just a horsefly or large beetle-- but I've already screamed and run a few yards before I realize it. It's caused more than a few embarassing situations... :blush:

Edit: It's also dangerous in another way-- I occasionally come VERY close to crashing while driving upon realizing that there'a a wasp in the car with me!

 

[Fiver]

They'll have to come through Michigan first -- they'll probably need to stop and ask for directions, and I'll divert them to West Virginia or Kentucky. I got yer back.

(One day, out of the public eye, I will tell you my scream-and-run-like-a-girl grasshopper stories. No way in public, though, and probably only after a beer or two. Embarrassing!)

 

[Charity]

Whew, thanks, Chica. Anywhere but here!

And consider it a date! I gotta hear all about it!