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Scorpions, Rattlesnakes, Fire Ants and Wasps
The joys of living in Texas
A few days ago I encountered a scorpion in the bathroom. Fortunately I saw it before I used the facilities. After the obligatory scream, I got a long pole and smashed it while keeping some distance. I then carefully collected the remains in a plastic bag in case I needed to call someone.
This was the first and hopefully last time I see one of these.
The issue is that it’s a really hot summer even by Texas standards and there is construction going on behind my house. So all the little critters that were hidden in the field are now being displaced and seeking new homes.
Since moving to Texas, I’ve experienced encounters with several of the native fauna.
Some of this has been pleasant. I have seen wild turkey, deer, beavers, and beautiful birds such as cranes, pelicans, and herons, as well as cardinals, hummingbirds, bluebirds, red winged blackbirds, and birds of prey. I’ve heard coyotes calling at dusk. There are also plenty of domesticated animals — a distant neighbor with some land had a pet donkey and others without an HOA have kept chickens or goats.
On the other hand — I’ve been bitten by fire ants. I hate them with a passion because they are aggressive, they kill baby birds, and their bites…
