Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bbonthec]

I am absolutely terrified of those giant wasps they have here in Korea. Does anybody have any information about them, and some advice on what to do if they get into your home? Are they very dangerous?

Please be considerate with your responses. No jokes. I actually have a full-blown phobia of black and yellow insects of any size.

[slothrop]

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[Paddycakes]

I originally thought this thread was going to be about big, fat Americans who can trace their lineage back to the Pilgrams. Too bad it wasn't

[jfromtheway]

[bbonthec]

We do have a problem with normal bees and wasps hanging around our apt, though I can't find the hive for the life of me. We're on the top floor of one of those old-style apt buildings, and the critters seem to love hanging around our rooftop. I find dead bees up there all the time. I am guessing they are drawn to our roof because it's painted green, mistake the yellow sand for pollen, and die of poisoning... Just a guess though.

But yeah, I am talking about those giant freaking huge things. Not the bumblebees, the wasps. They scare the living beejesus outta me. I once killed one that got trapped between the window panes by emptying an entire can of F-Killa onto its face. Took the entire can before it even dropped, yet it was still kicking hours later. What to do if one gets loose in the house? >.<

I have heard some say they are harmless. Others say they can kill you. I know Japan has one species of giant wasp that CAN kill a human. Am worried these are the same species....

[camaroclow]

Is this what you are talking about?

http://www.google.ca/search?q=cicada%3F&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=C5ugT8-gLoejiAeJ1vT3BA&biw=1024&bih=459&sei=LpugT_fQEOeyiQfG063iBA#um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=cicada&oq=cicada&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=img.3..0l10.6812.6812.0.8753.1.1.0.0.0.0.393.393.3-1.1.0...0.0.yf_ZwGySkb4&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=9e8e8a540e45a880&biw=1024&bih=488

[cj1976]

Maybe talking about the Japanese Hornets? Those SOBs kill people in Japan, but I don't think they are found here.

[crisdean]

[bbonthec]

[Nismo]

If you are talking about the ones that are about the size of your thumb, they are dangerous, yes. Avoid them at all costs. You don't need to have a phobia to be afraid of the bastards. If you find a nest near your house, call in a specialist, or have your building manager call in a specialist.

[waynehead]

Lived here 5 years. Traveled around the peninsula extensively. Never once seen one of those things here.

Did encounter them on a trip to Japan, tho. They are not to be *ed with, that's for sure. If you see them, go the other way quickly.

[Ninja-Bees]

About two years ago I got stung by something that looked very similar to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_giant_hornet.

I've never been shot, but if I could compare it to something, I would say it felt a lot like it. Not only that, it continued to hurt for a good 2 weeks.

Thirty minutes after I got stung, I had a 8 inch band of skin that was swollen and solid red going completely around my lower arm. I also started having a mild allergic reaction with my breathing. Luckily, that lasted for about an hour. The red band started to go away after two weeks as well. After the swelling went down and my arm started to itch like crazy. It didn't just itch where I got stung, it felt like it was in my muscles. That lasted about another week.

Finally, to this day (2 freaking years later), when I I drink or stress my body I get a quarter sized knot on my arm where I was stung.

I am a big man but when I see one of those things, I run away screaming like a little girl. Those f---kers do NOT play around. So, yeah, best of luck to ya'.

Also, my username is just a coincidence.

[bbonthec]

Jesus. Here's hoping the kInd that comes around my house is just a cicada killer.... Keep having giant wasps enter my apt building, buzzing around the hallway windows. They haven't moved to attack me yet, but I am always very cautious walking past them. Sometimes I'm too scared and have to wait for it to go away. Eesh... I love summer, but hate the monster insects they have here in Korea.

[bbonthec]

FYI: Just found out that if you discover a giant wasp hive near your home, you can actually call 119 to have it removed. Apparently, it's one of their duties.

[Mix1]