Help with a possible Wasp nest...

[juliejam]

A couple of days ago ive noticed a good number of wasps at the bottom of garden ..So far this week end they are constantly flying in and out of some garden waste ie. grass cutting and a small wood pile... Im thinkin they are building a nest there...

So any ideas how i can prevent this ...and help them to move on some where else ...or is it a case of leaving them alone and they will do the same ...

many thank

[paulchandler6]

Its quite possible they have a nest there. Very difficult to remove. If you can tolerate it it may well be better to leave them be. Cheers

[Wild-Woman]

Hi. Personally, I would leave alone. So long as they're not disturbed, you haven't got kiddies that may wander down near it, or someone is hypersensitive to the stings, then live and let live.
Presently,I have a nest being created under wood on the second storey of our extention. They are high up, just whizzing in and out and doing no harm to us. We will remove the nest in winter and seal the mortar joint once they've finished up.
Also, if you have fruit trees, keep the area free of falls as they would be attracted to this.
Eucera, our Hymenoptera expert, might be able to give you an idea about life span of the nest, etc, if you ask him nicely.
Hope this helps.
Jules

[jnb]

It depends how far the bottom of the garden is from the house. Unless it's right next to a patio or similar where you might be eating or an area where kids might be playing then I'd leave it. Overall wasps are beneficial predators in the garden. I'm trying to deal with a nest right now but that's because it's in the loft and right above a window.

[jordanno]

i agreee with wild woman leave it alone if its not presenting danger to anyone there very good at killing garden pests bringing lots of aphids and caterpillars that would kill your plants to there grubs

[demicav]

It's amazing to watch Wasps coming and going from their nest, busy at work. I always find that they are more dangerous out in an open area, on their own. Near the nest they are too busy getting on with their business to bother anyone unless they are deliberately interferred with. I wouldn't leave them near where children play though, as already said.