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Wasps at Porch Lights
In recent weeks we've been getting a lot of messages regarding large wasps coming to porch lights. In all of these cases, they were European Hornets, but many were suspected to be Asian giant Hornets (aka "murder hornets"). The Asian giant hornet is not present in NC and we do not expect it to be any time soon, if at all. Hornets are social wasps that build large paper-like nests in cavities of trees, and sometimes, in or around
human structures. Hornet activity begins in the spring with small colonies that get larger as the year goes on. At this time of year, hornet colonies are beginning to get very large (hundreds of individuals) and, consequently, there are more individuals present in the environment. Furthermore, the colonies are producing males and new queens that will mate, but only the mated queens overwinter to make new colonies the next year.
Some wasps (all hornets are wasps, but not all wasps are hornets) are attracted to lights, including European hornets, bald-faced hornets, and others. Due to the current seasonal increase in colony numbers, there are more individuals to home in on your home lights. This is why you have probably come across hornets near your porch light.
So what does this mean?
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
*European hornets can fly a good distance from their nest, so this activity does not necessarily mean a colony is
located nearby. Inspections of the area, perhaps following workers back to the nest (while giving them space) during the day, might be necessary to identify the source of the problem. Nests can sometimes be treated by homeowners, but often need to be professionally removed.
*Wasps are not likely to be overly aggressive near the lights, but it's good to stay calm and give a bit of room.
*Turning off lights at night will not only help reduce wasp numbers, but will also help reduce the deaths of countless other insects attracted to the lights.
Written By: Dr. Matt
Bertone
Director, Plant Disease and Insect clinic
Entomology & Plant Pathology
NC State Extension, NC State University
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Paper Clover Time
Tractor Supply Paper Clover Fundraiser October 5 - 16, 2022 Tractor Supply began a partnership with 4-H in 2010 and has since helped raise over $14 million through their Paper Clover fundraisers. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 69,000 students by providing them with hands-on learning experiences through projects in STEM, agriculture, healthy living, and civic engagement.
100% of funds raised through the Paper Clover fundraiser directly benefits 4-H and the kids and
teens they work with - 90% of donations directly support 4-H youth in the state it was raised, and the
remaining 10% supports national 4-H programming.
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Mountaineer/Apple Butter Festival
October 14th and 15th
The NC Mountaineer Festival and the Mitchell County Historical Society Apple Butter Festival are joining together to provide a fun couple of days as well as encouraging residents, visitors, and their families to appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of our area. There will be food, music, fun for the children, and vendors a plenty. There will also be activities, displays, and
presentations focusing on traditional cultural such as authentic apple butter making, wood working, handicrafts, and home making. Stirring a 40-gallon pot of apple butter for hours, matching skills with axes, making children’s dolls and toys, and learning how to turn wood into chairs and tables are just a few of the activities planned. October 14 and 15 on the Bakersville Creek Walk 10 am to 5 pm both days.
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If someone gave you a coupon for $23 off your grocery bill each month, would you use it? $23 is the minimum monthly benefit amount for SNAP participants, a federal program to reduce food insecurity for low-income families and individuals. To find out more about the program, how to apply, and learn some fun meal planning skills, we are offering a series of classes in partnership with AMY
Regional Libraries in Mitchell County. Here are the dates of the classes offered this month:
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4-H Cloverbuds learn about
"The Life of Bugs"
Cloverbuds is back in session and full of kids with creative minds. We have been learning about “The life of Bugs.” They were able to identify the difference from bugs and other creepy crawlies. They made their own bug out of clay and took it home. Before the weather turned cold, we were able to go outside for a bug hunt. We turned over rocks and looked for bugs in their natural environment. On Wednesdays we alternate between Deyton and Gouge Elementary and the kids were able to learn about how something could be a solid and a liquid. We made a mess of Oobleck, but the children got hands on learning.
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made
to Spring WIlliams-Byrd spring_williams@ncsu.edu.
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