When I am asked to choose my favourite insect, I have no hesitation in choosing the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). I have been stung many times, having first fallen into a wasp nest at 5 years old – though the young me was spared many stings as the wasps became entangled in the thick sweater my great-aunt had knitted.
But the wasp gets your attention and causes a reaction. It is perhaps the Marmite of the insect world, you love it or hate it but you’re never indifferent and that gives me something to work on.
Simply don’t make eye contact. Their tiny brains can pattern match on a face, and they’re on you if they perceive a threat. So don’t spaz out and wave your arms around. Ignore them.
Had a nest over my front door last year. I didn’t look at them, they didn’t look at me. For that matter, my pig was in and out that door all day. They ignored him as well.