War of the Wasps

I lived in the same house my entire childhood, and I remember being stung by a wasp one time. One time in 20 years!

Now we live next door to my childhood home. I have been stung twice in the last month.

Twice.

In two weeks.

Additionally, two of my children (and a cousin) have been stung. This month!

I officially declare war on the wasps--especially the red wasps. Ten minutes ago, I felt the agonizing pain that I am experiencing far too often these days in my ankle. Now my entire leg is numb, and I have pain shimmying up and down my spine.

Yes, I put baking soda on the site of the sting. But the venom is already doing its work.

I am open to suggestions, short of nuclear devices, on how to win this war. I considered hiring soldiers, but we are trying to reduce our budget deficit. ;-)

For now, my dad takes his perch on the deck, armed with a can or two of wasp and hornet spray, and he hunts them down.

Just like he's done for 20 years.