Don Carey, an NDSU Entomologist, joins It Takes 2 to discuss a unique problem the UK is facing. Outdoor beer gardens and trends towards fruity beers and ciders are causing an uptick in drunk wasps. Already erratic, these boozed up insects are causing problems for the English.
First off, there is a big difference between “Bees” and “Wasps.” For this podcast, our conversation should note that bees feed off of nectar from flowers and wasps feed off of other insects. When other insects start getting scarce, such as in late summer and the fall, wasps seek out other sources of carbohydrates. This is why they land on bologna sandwiches, soda cans and fruit that is so rotten it is starting to ferment.
(Image courtesy of Andy Henkel
@andyhenkel
on Instagram)
When they choose the fermenting fruit, they get tipsy. They suffer the same effects human beings do, such as decreased control of motor functions. These little buggers don’t have the benefit of Alka Seltzer and Netlfix though…
Don also gives some insight on bees in general. Why ND is such a perfect place to raise bees and some tips on how to identify the small holes in the ground where wasps tend to winter.
Don Carey with “George”
Additional Content:
KFGO Podcast –
Meet Don Carey: The Bug Man
KFGO Podcast –
How Does Winter Impact Bugs in the Upper Midwest?
KFGO Podcast –
Bees, Insect Repellant and More with Don Carey
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
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Follow Amy on Twitter
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