A wasp nest

Discussion in 'Wildlife Corner' started by Sian in Belgium, Oct 21, 2021.

  1. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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    We have a wasp nest in the long grass in my mum's garden. Last week they were quite aggressive (mum’s gardener and I were both stung, as wasps got into a gardening glove, and up a sleeve). They also seem to have attacked a bees nest that was under the eaves of the house. Instead of gentle honey-bees around the bedroom window, there are wasps….

    Should I call in the professionals, or let winter do it’s thing? How quickly before the nest becomes empty of workers?
     
  2. Black Dog

    Black Dog Gardener of useful things

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    How big is it?

    Normally I'd say "leave it be until winter does its job". But if it is small and in a rather unpleasant location you could try to wash it away with a garden hose - from a safe distance of course
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    They do seem to get aggressive this late in the year, I think it's normal.
    They could be finished as soon as the weather gets colder.

    I wouldn't try antagonising them, if possible I'd avoid them, but that might not be easy.

    I was attacked by a lot of wasps while out walking one year.
    They circle above you and you don't realise they are there until the first one stings you.
     
  4. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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    It’s had to tell, as it’s underground (probably in a mouse hole?). But the residents of the nest have attacked and partly taken over a fairly large bees-nest under the eaves….
     
  5. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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    I’d prefer to leave it, rather than use poison, but when will they die off?!

    Our puppy got ambushed by another ground-nest, when he went to have a joyful roll in a woodland clearing just a few weeks ago. We struggled to get about 6-8 of them off him, they were so set on their stinging…. Poor lad…
     
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    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      Yeah I got ambushed in long grass, that is the problem.
      I just think they will die once the temperatures drop.
       
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      • NigelJ

        NigelJ Total Gardener

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        I'm hoping the 2+ inches of rain this week will have finished the nest under my raised bed, as the badgers left it exposed to the elements.
         
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        • noisette47

          noisette47 Total Gardener

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          IME only frost kills off the workers. The queens can be found tucked away in sheltered spots, stacks of plant pots, open bags of compost, attics, parasols etc. hibernating ready to start building again in spring. I found 3 queens today, so that's three less nests next year :biggrin:
          I read an interesting article about why the workers are so aggressive in autumn. While the queen is producing larvae, she 'treats' the workers to a sugary substance. When she suddenly stops doing that, the workers have to source their sugar elsewhere.....usually our drinks and fruit! The lack of sugar makes them very crotchety, hence the stings.
          I came across an underground nest once in UK. Horrible experience! Strangely the paper wasps here never construct in the soil. Vehicles and roof tiles are favourite.
           
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          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            The workers from three or four nests around my house have been gone about three weeks.
             
          • noisette47

            noisette47 Total Gardener

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          • Sheal

            Sheal Total Gardener

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            Yes I have @noisette47, but that was after the wasps had gone.
             
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