Category: Animals and Nature

yellowjackets

Animals and Nature

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YELLOWJACKETS AND HOW TO AVOID GETTING STUNG

Yellowjackets can BEE quite the BUZZkill during summer in Germany! Get it? From age seven until 19, I used to go on week-long camping trips each year in August. At mealtime, I meticulously maneuvered my fork and knife around an average of five wasps that were simultaneously clambering all over my food, on a daily basis. I also rescued countless ones from drowning in my cup. Guess how many times I got stung over the years? Once. Because I accidentally stepped on one. So, while these little critters are quite pesty in the summer, there sure are ways to prevent...

featured image ticks in Germany

Animals and Nature

WHY DANCING THROUGH GERMAN MEADOWS COULD KILL YOU AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Did you grow up always on the lookout for snakes or scorpions while playing in the yard? Maybe you’re from an area where you had to be cautious not to bump into any bears or mountain lions while hiking. Or were you taught to keep your distance from spiders, in case they’re venomous? While these are not generally problems you’ll face during everyday life in Germany (phew!), you may still want to reconsider embracing your inner Maria from The Sound Of Music and carelessly dancing through flowery meadows, as there’s a good chance you’ll encounter what are by some considered...