Wasp nest

[A-daisy-a-day]

Probably I'm on the wrong forum here but I've posted on the Insect one too.
On mowing the lawn last night I discovered I had a wasp nest [football size] in a bush barely a yard from the footpath, I hadn't even noticed any wasps this year, the flight path is across the path, I don't like destroying any wildlife un-necessarily but am a bit concerned of perhaps any danger of them deciding to attack, I tell myself that they've been building this nest for some time and ignoring me when I am gardening, but I've read they can be unpredictable., Do they attack dogs?

[Lance Morgan]

Thay are not naturally aggressive but they will attack anything that interferes with nest. Best just leave them to go about their business if possible but if you have small children or pets loose then i should get rid of them. The wasps I mean.

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by Lance Morgan

The wasps I mean.

You might want to stop mowing your lawn in case the noise sets them off. Is this in one of your bushes?

How busy is the footpath?

[RAINBOWRUSSELL]

When we moved in last year we had 2 nests...it was a nightmare everytime we tried to sit outside to eat they were all over the place...found the nests one in a hole in the ground the other high up in a tree,bought some foam stuff and that sorted it for us...didn't like killing them but we were worried that someone would be hurt...and they will sting animals if they happen to disturb or step on one!
We have already had one this year & dealt with it...now just found another..both in holes..will be sorting it out tonight when it gets dark as it is only 3 foot from the house and the wasps are getting more & bigger.
Remember always do 'the deed' in the dark when they are all back in there otherwise you could get attacked by the ones still flying around !
If you do have to get up a ladder make sure someone is holding it too...just in case suddenly one comes out at you & startles you!Try & cover your face as much as poss too!This stuff is poison so be carefull where it goes and that your pets do not go near for a while!Best to get the nest down when they are all dead & burn it...the holes I filled up with soil the next day !

[Gill Catton]

I have stood over a nest before now trying to remove it as I had a very young niece coming over who was likely to be allergic, and not once did they attack me, I'd leave it be myself unless they actually DO start being aggressive...

By the way it might be an idea to get the other thread deleted, things can get very confusing with two identical threads running and most people will pick this thread up by clicking the "new posts" tab anyhow.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Thanks all, a couple of retorts, no the path isn't busy just me and the dog using it about twice three times a day and can sort of skirt a little detour, could be a nuisance when I want to do any gardening, dead, heading, watering etc.
It's atricky one 'wait till they become aggressive' I don't really want to get stung, who does? I think it's a bit of a toss a coin decision but when I read that a man was taken into hospital this week having been stung 200 times I gulp.
I'm away over the weekend so I'll think on it. why couldn't they have chosen someone else's bush? and oh yes the bush is mine.

[Dogghound]

Our two most agressive species Vespula vulgaris and V.germanica both usually nest in holes or in buildings and not usually in a bush like this. Species like Dolichovespula media, D. sylvestris which nest in open positions in bushes like this are actually very placid and not aggressive. The other two species give all our wasps a bad name.

[Badger Watching Man]

Personally I'd go out after dark and get rid of it. I had a wasps' nest in our hedge last year and the first I knew of it was when one of the little horrors flew out and, without provocation, stung me on the neck.

To add insult to injury, I'm allergic to wasp stings. I spent a not-so-pleasant evening wheezing away and three more days looking like the Elephant Man.

OK, so wasp genocide isn't very wildlife-friendly, but then I'm biased. I don't like having them around people. Especially not around me.

[m1.carson]

Hi,

If you're not too keen to remove them, contact a fishing tackle shop or keen fisherman, they'll be over the moon with it, excellent chub bait.

Max.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Originally Posted by m1.carson

Hi,

If you're not too keen to remove them, contact a fishing tackle shop or keen fisherman, they'll be over the moon with it, excellent chub bait.

Max.

Just done so [thanks BTW] and they said 'fine' if you can get rid of the nest