I just read in a local nature magazine that we have wasps called Tarantula Hawks in the CA. Bay area but I have never seen one. They are long and black with red wings and I think one would be very noticeable.

The reason I am interested is that they rate the highest on the Schmidt sting pain index, ABOVE yellow jacket and velvet ant stings, and if a T.H. stings you, "you can't do anything else but scream".

I'd really like to know if they are in my neighborhood and if there is something I could keep around to lessen the pain!

Has anyone seen or, heaven forbid, been stung by one of these? Min