You see, I heard folks talkin’ ’bout them Texas hornets. Lord, those things sound meaner than a junkyard dog! I ain’t never seen one myself, but I heard tell of ’em. They say these hornets, they ain’t like regular bees. They’re big, some as big as your thumb! And they sting somethin’ fierce.
Now, some folks say there’s only one kind of real hornet in Texas, the Baldfaced hornet. But that name, it’s a trick! They say it’s really a type of yellowjacket, just all dressed up in black and white. Like a little bandit, that’s what it is. They like to build them paper nests, big as a basketball, up in the trees. If you see one of them, you best steer clear.
And then you got your wasps. Now wasps, they’re all over the place here in Texas. Smaller than them hornets, but they still pack a punch. They’re the ones with them yellow and black stripes, buzzin’ around your porch light at night. They say a hornet is bigger, and got them white and black stripes, but they both sting. They say that hornet is a kind of wasp, but not every wasp is a hornet. This make my head spin. But both of them can sting, that is for sure.
- Tarantula Hawk Wasp: Now this one, this one’s a real doozy. They say it’s got the worst sting of ’em all. Sounds like a nightmare. They call it the Pepsis Wasp too, sounds fancy but don’t let it fool ya. It’s got a blue and black body, with orange wings, pretty but mean. I wouldn’t want to get mixed up with that thing, not for all the tea in China! It lives in the desert, thank goodness, far away from my garden.
Now, I heard some folks talkin’ about how to tell a wasp from a hornet. They say the Texas hornets, them Baldfaced ones, they’re bigger. Like I said, big as your thumb. And they got them black and white stripes, like a little zebra flyin’ around. Wasps, they’re smaller. More yellow, usually. But honestly, if it’s flyin’ and it’s got a stinger, I ain’t stickin’ around to measure it!
And they build them nests. Them Texas hornets, they like to build ’em up high, in the trees. Big, round, paper things. You see one of them, you best give it a wide berth. Wasps, they build them nests too, but they can be anywhere. Under your porch, in the shed, even in the ground! Sneaky little things.
They say there’s more of them wasps in Texas than you can shake a stick at. These Paper Wasps, they’re everywhere. They’re social, which means they live in a group. Like a little wasp family. And they’re not afraid to sting if you bother ’em. So, if you see a bunch of wasps flyin’ around, just leave ’em be. They’re probably just lookin’ for somethin’ to eat.
- Guinea Paper Wasp: They say it is one of the most common wasps in Texas. The name sounds like something you see in the jungle movie. I don’t know much about it, but it is a kind of paper wasp. Just remeber, every wasp can sting, so just be careful.
Then them Leafcutter Bees. They got a funny name, right? Megachile sp., what a strange name, but I heard that there are many kinds of them. They don’t sting that much, I think. But better leave them alone.
Then there’s the ones that eat spiders. Yes, you heard me right. Spiders! They paralyze them spiders and drag ’em off to their nests. I guess even spiders got somethin’ to be afraid of. Nature’s a wild thing, ain’t it?
Now, if you do get stung by one of them Texas hornets or a wasp, it’s gonna hurt. They say it feels like gettin’ poked with a hot needle. And it can swell up, too. If you get stung a bunch of times, you might need to see a doctor. Especially if you’re allergic. Some folks, they can’t handle them stings at all.
Best thing to do is just avoid ’em. If you see a nest, don’t go pokin’ at it. And if you see one of them Texas hornets flyin’ around, just stay calm and walk away. They ain’t lookin’ for trouble, unless you give ’em a reason.
So, that’s what I know about them Texas hornets. They’re big, they’re mean, and they ain’t somethin’ to mess with. Just remember to be careful out there, and you’ll be alright. And if you see one, don’t come runnin’ to me, ’cause I’ll be runnin’ the other way!
Them bugs, they are everywhere. Just like flies on a cow pie. But them Texas hornets, they are something else. Just be careful.