Poison Oak and Yellow Jackets
Poison Oak (Toxicodendrum diversilobum) is common along parts of the Montclair RR Trail. If you, your clothes or your dog come in contact with it, you will likely be exposed to urushiol (pronounced oo-roo-shee-ohl), the chemical in Poison Oak sap that causes the rash, blisters and infamous itch. So avoidance is your best defense.
Check out the video below for tips on how to rid your skin of the oil, if you are exposed.
Yellow jackets are especially active in the summer months. The best way to prevent unpleasant encounters with social wasps like yellow jackets is to avoid them. Their nests are usually in the ground; the entrance about size of a quarter. If you know where they are, try not to go near their nesting places. Wasps can become very defensive when their nest is disturbed. Be on the lookout for nests when outdoors. Wasps that are flying directly in and out of a single location are probably flying to and from their nest.
Learn more about yellow jackets and other social wasps here: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html
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