Wasp Nest for ID

[tigger]

Can anyone tell from this picture, what sort of wasp nest this is?



This picture was taken yesterday in one of my neighbours sheds in Corfe Mullen, Dorset

I've asked her to measure it as well, so I should be able to add that information soon.

Jane

[Harry Eales]

Hello Jane,
It appeares to be a nest of one of the social wasps (Vespa) if so, it will be enlarged as the colony grows. It isn't advisable to disturb it especially when it gets larger it could stimulate an attack by the wasps. If left undisturbed the colony will just last for a few months until new Queens and Males are raised. Once they have hatched the colony will go into a rapid decline.

Despite their reputation, such wasps do a lot of good in the garden. If you leave them alone they won't bother you.

Harry

[tigger]

From what I have read this seems to be the "start" of the nest, as you say Harry, it is likely to grow over the season (maybe to football size?). Could this be what the queen has built herself so far... now waiting for the rest of the colony to "grow" it?

I don't know much about wasps, but it does look very similar to Vespa sp type nests. I may have to advise my neighbour that if she is using the shed a lot (getting mower in and out, bikes, etc) she might want to have it removed now before it grows too big. It sounds like these social wasps are pretty territorial. However, if she doesn't need to use the shed... it's probably just worth leaving and letting the wasps get on with it (helping to keep the garden clean and pollinated)

Jane

[tigger]

Just to let you know the nest is 5cm by 5cm.

Any other thoughts on this nest?

Thanks Jane

[eucera]

A pale beige queen nest with narrow stripes of darker colour = Vespula vulgaris. The only other species to build a beige coloured nest is the Hornet. The other wsps use sound wood and the nests are grey

[tigger]

Many thanks Eucera

Jane

[Harry Eales]

Hello Jane,

Usually the Queens of the Vespa social wasps just make a nest large enough to raise a preliminary brood of workers. Once they hatch and become active they take over all the nest building duties. From the size you give I would say that the nest so far has been the work of the queen, I would expect workers to emerge soon.

Football size is about average for most of the social wasps, that build exposed nests, in very good years they can be much larger.

Harry