Bleepedy Bloops

Me neither. They're just huge.

G77

Seeing as you mention it - is there a reason why it's common to say you was "bitten" by a bee or a wasp here? I've heard loads of people say it.... must be just the way it's phrased, because I can't imagine a wasp trying to bite you when it can give you a damn good sting instead

Jerseygirl

I use this...it's keeps mozzies, horse/deer flies, wasps and most other bugs away from me. I've recommended it before and some have bought it cheaper from Amazon.

http://www.lentek.com/bite-shields.html

I don't know whether it's available in Canada yet but there is also something similar sold in shops in the US.

http://www.offprotects.com/clip-on-mosquito-repellent/

I find these much better than creams, sprays etc. because if I miss one little patch the bugs get me there. Plus most of the creams and sprays melt plastic...so I don't want them on my skin.

AlexInBC

My husband has been bitten by a bee. It was when he was a teen. It landed on his leg and he panicked and tried to swat it off with an empty plastic drink bottle he was carrying. Unfortunately it didn't swat it away - just thunked the (now angry) bee and instead of stinging him he said it clearly bit a small chunk out of his leg and flew off Here's an interesting pic (warning - don't look if bug-phobic!!!) : http://www.flickr.com/photos/randy-peralta/3864997795/

G77

Makes more sense with a bee since they die if they sting - shows that they must have awareness of that fact too...

Also, the terms bee and wasp seem to be interchangeable here - heard many people refer to "bees" when they were actually meaning wasps...

AlexInBC

Or I guess it could have been a drone...(only female bees have stingers!)

Steve_P

Certainly not interchangeable anywhere I've been out here in the west.

People definitely know the difference.

fledermaus

You can get the clip on thingy here. You can also get a gadget you can set up on the deck that covers a fairly wide radius. PLus lanterns and suchlike. They've been effective for us this year

fledermaus

Definitely interchangeable in Ontario. You rarely hear of a bee unless they say "honey bee".

It really annoys me.....

Jerseygirl

Where I live most are referred to as bees and yes I find it very annoying. If they sting you, fly away and there is no stinger in you're skin...it's not a bee.

Steve_P

You must be meeting the illiterate 50% of the population.

Oh sorry that was another thread.

Essex_Man

I have wasp nest right at the front of my house. It's in the ground at the root of tree. It is like Piccadilly circus outside. I away use the back door...I found out a few days ago when I was mowing the lawn....

They are not the worst. The worst are black flies, lucky for me they are up north.

G77

Glad it's not just me then.... A few weeks ago next door said they kept finding "bees" in the basement, the wife said, "you mean wasps?"..... "no, bees". I guess they could have had a bees nest, but seeing as I've probably only seen half a dozen of what I would call bees since being here, I find it unlikely....

I've also heard my landlord referring to them as bees and numerous people out and about (or should that be oot and aboot )

jandro

Apparently if you have a cut or a sore a wasp might try to bite off a piece of flesh. Otherwise they don't bite undamaged skin.

PrairieSushi

We tend to see solitary bees in Alberta - never seen a UK style hive yet.

But wasps? Oh boy ... under the rear deck, under the front steps, under the nook ... they get everywhere. But that's the result of living in wooden houses.

If you're really unlucky, the wasps will swarm sometime late summer into your basement ... trying to kill a swarm of them single handed with a can of spray is great fun.