Though I hate them, there will be more!
Okay, that’s about the extent of my poetry talents. lol
It is only the first week of May and I already have insect bites. My colleagues have insect bites. My students have insect bites. It is a fact of life that you cannot step out your front door in Oklahoma without getting bitten by something. I suppose most of us are lucky it isn’t a critter bigger than a mosquito or wasp. I’ve stocked up on my usual arsenal for the season: Chiggerex, a generic anti-itch cream, rubbing alcohol, and calamine lotion. Ready for almost anything!
Insects were something I had to adjust to when we returned to Oklahoma. When I was a child California had a pretty stringent policy against insects interfering with their agriculture- the only good bug was a dead bug. In fact, I was exposed to so many pesticides I’m surprised that I don’t have some sort of lifetime immunity to insect bites! Frightening now to think about how many chemicals were sprayed on our fields and gardens. I know most of CA is now “greener” and wiser.
That brings me to today’s question, “To kill or not to kill?” I’m still in favor of moderation and I do use a few chemicals. I use a house spray along the baseboards once a year. When we had a cat I used flea powder on my carpets once or twice a year. I use wasp spray for any major wasp nest that is located in areas we frequent- patio, back door, etc. Other than that I have a “leave it alone” policy. I don’t use pesticides in the yard or garden. I never spray or dust anything we will eat. If something dies because of insects, well, that’s life. Last year I lost half of my squash to bugs! I should have planted more or provided a better habitat for beneficial insects that will work with me and for me.
You can decide for yourself if insects will live or die at your house. I’ll be out here on the hill, itching like crazy, and taking pictures of them!
Comments