We've got hornets! They have at least 3 nests built around the house, two at the back, by the pool and one right at the front door. We are surrounded.

Its been a buggy week. My nephew is almost 7, he loves bugs. My Mom will capture something and they stick it in a jar for the day. They try to feed it various leaves and fresh garden compost (apple peals, salad leftovers, etc). Today she found a praying mantis! Pretty rare to find one of those. They really are the most interesting and intimidating bug I have ever seen. It seems they really are looking at you, one human to another. Kind of spooky. I couldn't bring myself to touch it, but I almost wanted to.

After a few hours, the praying mantis, like all the spiders, crickets and caterpillars before, was set free. For awhile he walked around the picnic table. Swaying like a stick, avoiding becoming some bird's snack food. He disappeared, maybe under the table. I didn't look too hard. Tonight I wonder where he is. I hope he is safe. There aren't a lot of mantis's left. If bugs are going to inherit the earth I hope the praying mantis's and ladybugs will still be around the keep eating them.

Now for those stinging hornets. I thing its going to take a professional. My sister's baby shower is less than two weeks away.