Are Killer Wasps Reincarnated?

For the past four years, we've found anywhere from three to six dirt mounds in our lawn made by Killer Wasps. Sometimes they build their nest in the middle of a perfect patch of thick grass, and there's no telling where we'll find one. Now, early August, is when they're out in force. There were so many mounds in our neighbors yard three nyears ago, she had to pay an exterminator to get rid of them. Results were mixed.

Killer Wasps are huge by insect standards. Anywhere from 3 to 4 inches long. They look like like normal wasps with yellow rings. They have a huge area for the eyes, big thorax, a tiny waist, and an even bigger gastor, with a stinger at the tip. The dirt mounds are caused by the wasp digging a deep hole in the grass/dirt, depositing eggs at the bottom. They can be very hard to kill with a flyswatter. However, I've learned a technique to kill them by hand. Well, with a shoe in one hand actually. It's the same method I use to kill flies with my bare hand. Step 1 is finding them stationary. Step 2 is slowly creeping up on them with hands spread about 10 inches apart and moving closer. This confuses them, as they watch both hands approach from different angles. Step 3, if a fly, is smashing them quickly with your dominant hand (I'm right-handed). This works 90% of the time with flies. Same process with Killer Wasps, only you smack thenm with your shoe. A fly swatter to them is just an annoyance. You have to smack them a number of times to kill them, as they are very hardy.

Another, slightly easier technique, is to fill a watering can with water. Take it to their nest, and continue pouring it down the large hole. Do this in the early morning. If home, the Wasp will struggle out thru the water. Then you step on it or smack it many times til dead. These methods are much more effective than just putting pesticide powder in their holes. Then you scoop up the loose dirt in the mound, spread the grass a little, and it's like they were never there.

Some people believe in reincarnation, to the extent that even killing insects like Killer Wasps is forbidden. Mostly reincarnation refers to the spirit being reborn into an animal or a human, when it passes from this life. This doctrine is central to the Indian religions, but can also be found in Christianity and Shi'a Islam. Obviously I don't think it applies to insects. I do believe there is some merit to the idea, but not in the same sense its been classically interpreted.  More on this next time.