Sometimes I just hose evreything right before going in, then bring the hose with me and spray as im going. If theres caterpillars this would not be such a good idea.
S.B.

Sounds like a perfect habitat already. I leave a section of my garden wild.

Bee's are not usually aggressive and won't sting if your weeding (unless they are wasps or hornets). If you are fearful of bee's then weed in the early morning when they are lethargic.

I know. Sometimes I'll put out my hand for a bee to land on and I'll put it on a brand new flower with lots of nectar. If I'm wearing my mud gloves of course!

But I still want to get in there to get the catnip out. I really have to stay on top of it.

Why do you want to get rid of the catnip. I planted some last year and it has really taken off this year. And yes I am ready to cut it back now that it is almost finished blooming. Do I need to pull it up. I have noticed that some herbs seem to take over.

Yeah, like they're on steroids. I just want it gone. I know the little skippers and smaller butterflies like it but there's other things that are more controllable.

Plus, the neighbor's cat comes to pay them a visit. I like the cat but I don't like it killing the wildlife I'm working so hard to protect. Off topic, but I wish people would keep them inside. I know plenty of happy indoors cats.

I have a strange cat that visits mine also. Keeps it mashed flat in the middle. I noticed that the bees really like it, also. But is definitely taking up too much room now.

Feel free to whack on the catnip; it loves the technique, just like most mints.

As for getting in there...I just start at the edge and work my way in. Bees and so forth don't bother me if I don't go out of my way to bother them.

If there's an area with a lot of WASPS, I get out the butterfly net and a can of spray. Net, don't touch, keep moving, splat on the ground or over the edge of the trash can to keep the wasps in the end and spray the net. Dump in the trash and repeat.

Needless to say, never use that net for anything you don't want dead. Wasps are definitely not my favorite people and I have no compunction about making them dead ASAP. (did it show? *grin*)

But as for bees in general, and most bugs, they will feel the vibrations and split before becoming aggressive. Kinda like snakes, they just would rather not be bothered.

AFRICANIZED BEES are a whole 'nother story though. Those buggers can be very very nasty, and to be honest, I don't know of a safe way to deal with them besides staying the heck away! Winter manage your plantings, maybe?