I don't know if annual visits by pestilential creatures are commonplace in the Midwest, but if so, I feel slighted for not having been warned. First, we endured the clouds of soybean aphids. These were gross, as you couldn't help but inhale them and/or get them in your eyes as you walked from class to class. The aphids disappeared after a few weeks, and I thought the irritation had subsided. However, a new breed of irksome creature has emerged to take up the aphid's mantle: the ladybug. That's right; I did not misspeak. Ladybugs, ladybugs, ladybugs, flitting around everywhere, swarming out of bushes, and descending in droves from tree branches-- its maddening! What's worse is that, not only do they land all over you, but they inflict painful bites to exposed skin whenever given the chance; I've already been bitten in the neck twice.
This is unnecessary. To any Midwestern natives: Are there any other plagues I should know about?
occasionally there are the cicadas that decide to dwell there... outside of the aphids and ladybugs the only real thing you need to worry about is the locust, river of blood, and the Angel of Death... you should be fine though.
ReplyDeleteThey're ladybird beetles, not ladybugs (which usually have a darker red hue and don't bite). I'm told that ordinarily the ladybirds flourish at the same time as the soy aphids, which they love to eat. Unfortunately, our cold summer and wet fall put them out of synch, so we got the full brunt of both infestations, and the ladybirds are hungry.
ReplyDeleteWell Zoos, I'll be needing to get some lamb's blood to take care of that Angel of Death thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd Prof. Wilcox-- that is really unfortunate. Haha. I hope they go away soon.