Backwoodsman: Sorry, but there's no reason for having fear as to wasps. They are nice little insects without any aggression if you don't hit them. The same is due even to hornets which have a home in an old tree in our garden. They are really wonderful. It goes without saying that this could be another cup of tea in case of children. But this doesn't change the fact that basically they are peaceful and really fascinating when they are going to watch you standing in front of their nest-building.

Dave's Wife: I'm convinced that you are aware of total peacefulness of all kinds of bumble bees. Therefore, cannot understand the fear of your dear husband (or are you joking?) to built houses for ground bumble bees .By the way, in contrary to your observations our cats do stalk bumble bees and all insects flying around. Poor Buttje was an expert in catching a dragonfly. That's one of the dark sides of cats.

Would like to thank you for making clear the differences between cats in general between the US and Europe.

Manfred