|
|
|
|
Certain insects can be divided into two major groups: Those, which can injure you and those, which can injure the tree.
When either, or both, are found, the best advice is to find another tree to climb.
Bees, bald-faced hornets, yellow jackets and wasps are protective of their nests and will sting repeatedly if they are disturbed. Some nests look like big white footballs. And some are in hollow tree trunks - which means that the tree itself may not be stable.
If stung, use meat tenderizer or a commercial sting kill swab to help neutralize the venom. Antihistamines, both in ointment and tablet form, can help. And if you are highly allergic to stings, tell those around you that you are allergic and carry an EpiPen at all times.
A small mound of sawdust at the base of the tree can be a sign of wood-eating insects, like termites and carpenter ants. They won't bother you, but the tree may be structurally unsound.
That leads us to an important rule: Not every tree is meant to be climbed. Some trees are dangerous for you, the creatures who are living there, or both. Minimize the risk and find another tree. |
|
|
|
|
