Learn more about the benefits of wasps and hornets from Laurel Moulton, WSU Clallam County Extension regional horticulture specialist, at the next Green Thumb Education Series presentation.
“Wasps, Hornets and Their Mimics” will be held in person from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, in the Carver Room at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Or, join the meeting on Zoom by clicking a link at the extension.wsu.edu/clallam (meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224) or join by phone by calling 253-215-8782.
Moulton will introduce the common species of wasps found in our area including paper wasps, yellow jackets, bald-faced hornets and others. She will touch briefly on invasive hornets that have not been found in our area, including the northern giant hornet and European hornet and share some interesting native wasps, like horntails and others that gardeners may
occasionally run into. She will also cover the beneficial services that hornets provide and how to manage wasp nests and colonies that become nuisances.
“I hope that gardeners come away with less fear of wasps and an appreciation of how they contribute to the ecosystem and provide benefit to humans,” Moulton said.
“I grew up loving insects of all sorts and I enjoy sharing that love with others, in hopes that others will look at wasps with wonder and appreciation instead of fear.”
Moulton has been a Master Gardener since 2006 and received her master’s degree in horticulture with a minor in entomology from Oregon State University in 2011. She is a member of the WSU Extension Integrated Pest Management Team and spends her time outside of Master Gardeners helping small farms in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties to accurately identify pests and crop diseases while developing plans to manage them sustainably.
Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series is offered on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered). Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
