Sandy Supposes....

Killer Wasps Lost

PROMPT May 5th

Find a local news story that makes you feel something. Share the story along with your opinion on it in your blog.

         Meh, there's nothing newsworthy in my serene neck of the woods. Wait, I read a report of a rock-cut collision, an impaired driver at the wheel, but is that worth repeating? What did I feel? Incredulity. Why is this still happening? So, I broadened my search for scintillating news and I discovered a piece titled' Killer Wasps.' My first thought, is this real?

         After perusing this article and Googling, I discovered that killer wasps do indeed exist, but their entomological name is Vespa mandarinia japonica. Great. We have a virus some associate with a Mexican beer and now there's a large insect named after a motor scooter? Yes, yes, I do realize this isn't true, but this is a catchy memorable name. This is where I inform you that this species hails from Asia and currently China is considered the source of Covid-19.More possible vitriol? These aggressive, large wasps normally inhabit Japan and somehow they've appeared in North America, specifically Washington state and British Columbia, Canada.

         They've decided to become an invasive species, no passports, no visas, no warning. They just moved in and built their nests in the ground.Their preferred targets are bees which they decapitate. Gruesome! Scientists assure the public that though bigger than our native wasps and though capable of stinging repeatedly, the Asian giant hornet is "fierce but few." As is true of any stinging insect most probably due to allergic reactions, people can die.

         I'm still awaiting the arrival of killer bees from the U.S. Every year, reports spring up in newscasts to remind me they exist and may invade Canada. Now there's the possibility that a giant wasp is lurking and ready to cross the border? Any wasp, no matter it's size, is intimidating and best to be avoided. My family refers to our variety of wasps as assholes. They delight in dive-bombing us and hovering just out of reach. No one wants one of their stings let alone a sting from a hornet that appears to be buffed, or is that bulked, on steroids.

         How did the Vespa arrive in Canada? Okay, it is a sizeable bug, but surely it did not flap its wings and soar across the Pacific Ocean. Did it survive a ship-tossed voyage without prey to sustain it and without revealing its stowaway status? Is this wasp simply lost? Did it take a wrong corner somewhere? I can't fathom a person smuggling them into the country.

         "Anything to declare? What's that buzzing in your pocket? No, a giant Asian hornet is not considered a support animal."

         Anyway, eating wasps is a thing in Japan. I kinda accept this, after all some people dine on snails, or oysters so, why not wasps. Wasps are pan fried or steamed with rice. They are served on skewers. They are preserved in jars. Here, we may add honey to various foods and drinks, but never the actual bees. The Japanese add wasps to their liquor, a drink known as shochu.

         Much as Canadians celebrate maple syrup with festivals, the giant Asian hornet, or giant sparrow hornet, ( oh my God, this insect is the same size as a bird?), is honoured with a festival. Each November, at the Kushnihara Hebo Matsuri people gather to celebrate all things waspish. The wasp, or 'hebo' is eaten. There are prizes awarded for the largest nests. People actively hunt for wasps and this is likened to North Americans berry picking. Whaaa? Berries do not attack. Is there a wasp jam? Imagine spreading a little something on your toast and seeing a wing or two.

         Will swarms of these nasty wasps disrupt summer activities of the future? Will I be looking over my shoulder for the bully of the insect world? Will I shriek and cower when I hear a buzzing? What kind of offence do I need? Will I need to gird myself in a version of a bee keeper's outfit? What bug spray will annihilate the 'killer wasp'?

         I am Canadian and I am expected to be tolerant and polite. Sorry, Vespa you are not welcome here. My message to you is, "Get lost."