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sweeping motion (follow specific directions of the insecticide). If you require illumination, use a flashlight covered with red cellophane for a light — wasps cannot see red. You may need to repeat the treatment on two or three consecutive evenings. You may want to call in a professional, as there is a risk of being stung. Sting: If a paper wasp approaches you, slowly raise your hands to your face and walk away. Remain calm! Avoid swatting at the wasp or running, as quick movements may elicit an attack. If possible, avoid the use of scented perfumes and soaps, and wear gray, white or tan to reduce the chances of a wasp approaching you. Unlike the honey bee, paper wasps have a smooth stinger and can sting more than once. If you are stung, cooling the area with ice may be soothing. Remember! Insect stings can elicit a life-threatening, allergic reaction in some individuals. Check with your physician to determine what symptoms require a visit to the emergency room. Never attempt any control measure if you have a known allergy to insect stings. Further sources: Turillazzi, S. and M.J.West-Eberhard. 2002. Natural History and Evolution of Paper Wasps. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K., 416 pages. Prepared by: Kathryn Gardner, Carolyn Klass, and Nicholas Calderone.
For more information regarding stinging insects check out http://www.masterbeekeeper.org/stinging/ paperwasp.htm
Have Gardening Questions? We can help with: Landscapes, Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Gardens, Herbs, Houseplants, Plant Diseases, Soils, Beneficial and Harmful Insects, Composting and Water Conservation. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener office at 518-623-3291
Warren County Connection
Choosing, Growing and Using Petunias By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor University of Vermont
Petunias are among the most popular annual flowers purchased each spring and summer. One reason is that they come in a wide range of flower colors and shapes. They range in habits from mounded—good in masses or “bedded out” as bedding plants, to trailing—good in raised beds, pots, and hanging baskets. Petunias are easy to grow, meaning they have few if any pest and disease problems, are adaptable to many climate and soil conditions, and require minimal maintenance. Petunias are members of the Solanaceae or nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, tobacco, and flowers such as flowering tobacco and Angel’s trumpet. This favorite annual flower was first discovered in South America more than two centuries ago. The earliest petunias were small-flowered and lanky and were found in only two colors, white and purple. But even as early as the beginning of the nineteenth century, European breeders were experimenting with crossbreeding to develop larger flowers and more colors. Today, petunias are available in shades of white, yellow, pink, blue, purple, red, and even black, as well as bicolors, and as single or double flowers. Many have a light, sweet fragrance, especially the blue petunia varieties. Petunias will last four to six days as cut flowers too. With so many colors to choose from, petunias are fun to combine into designs. For a more striking effect, combine contrasting colors such as yellow and purple, red and white. Or combine a bicolor star pattern of purple and white flowers with solid purple ones. For a more subtle effect, combine shades of one color, as a bed of pink petunias with a few darker red ones. (Continued on page 5)
