We're all basking in the summer glow, but with the warmer weather and summer months comes the bugs.

We do what we can to keep them away, but citronella candles can only do so much. I know I can't be the only one who has seen the post on their Facebook timeline of ginormous hornet/bee/wasps in Hudson Valley residents' backyards.

Are these those Killer Hornets that we were warned about back in 2020? Apparently, we have nothing to worry about according to the DEC.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is easing the worry of many living in New York State and shared some helpful information about The European hornet and The Eastern cicada killer...which is what you're probably seeing in your backyard.

The DEC wrote on Facebook:

Good news, backyard entomologists! That big yellow-and-black insect you found is probably not a “murder hornet,” AKA, Asian giant hornet. Asian giant hornets are a potential invasive species in the Western United States, but they have not been found in New York and are unlikely to make their way here any time soon.

Let us reiterate MURDER HORNETS HAVE NOT BEEN FOUND IN NY. Phew. Now that that's out of the way...

European Hornets

You may be seeing a European hornet. They're teardrop shaped and live in colonies of over 300 workers and the DEC says they "may aggressively defend their nests."  Yikes.

Could it be an Eastern cicada killer you see in your backyard? Possibly. Thankfully, the DEC explains, they are "virtually no danger to humans" unless they are handled roughly. They tend to only use their stinger on cicadas.

Did that ease your mind like it did mine? Thank goodness for the DEC!

Hudson Valley Honey Bees at Work

Local honey is one of the many delicious local products we enjoy in the Hudson Valley. We are lucky to have a healthy honey bee population and people like the folks at HiveLand NY in Highland, New York keeping them that way. Checkout some of the tools used to make and harvest honey. Plus see a few other items made with some help from the bee.

These 10 Bugs Found In New York Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

Beautiful Plants That Also Keep The Bugs Away

Did you know there are plenty of plants that offer protection from mosquitoes, spiders, house flys and more? Yes, check out these natural bug repellants that are affordable and available now.

 

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