8 Comments

Very informative hope these bugs decide to bug someone else!

Expand full comment

I don't have too crazy bug stories, but last summer, while out and about in the garden and heard a loud buzz and the sky sort of darkened and suddenly there were thousands of bees near me. I froze for a second then I ran fast to the shed, where I realized I am still not far enough so I ran to the house. They did not care about me, I guess it was just a swarm moving from one place to the other. But it was quite a scary experience...

Expand full comment

In case you ever have to repeat the experience, it should be reassuring to know that bees are actually very docile when they swarm. They're not defending hive or honey, so they don't have reason to sting. (I had a life-long phobia of bees and now I'm a beekeeper-- because life is nothing if not strange & surprising!)

Expand full comment

Wow, a person with a life-long bee phobia becoming a beekeeper! Life really *is* strange…but good for you!

Expand full comment

When I was safe indoors, I realized that! But it took me by surprise at first!

Expand full comment

I completely get that!

Expand full comment

Oh my—That must have been terrifying!! I’ve never seen a swarm, but if I did, I would like to be a safe, l-o-n-g distance away. I’m glad you didn’t get stung!

Expand full comment

I'm drawn to horror stories of this type-- literally shivers of dread through me as you describe having to cut off and burn parts of your fruit trees. We're several years in to our own little "farm in our garden" and I really stink at pest control so far-- thanks for sharing so others can learn from your experiences!

Expand full comment