CaptC Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 This strange "structure" has been built in 12 hours. I went out to close a shed door and it was stuck on the back cross piece. Measures approx 2.5" high and about the same across the top. My thumb gives you a rough idea. What is clever as that the top section has a "skirt" - the bottom has a hole for entry/exit? I suspect some kind of wasp or bee as the "structure" is similar to the paper mache that you find in wasps nests Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger-Mouse Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 (edited) Wasp nest judging by this yellowjacket or paper wasp. Edited May 10, 2020 by Danger-Mouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centrepin Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 My daughter gets them all the time on her allotment. Small or beginnings of wasp nests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 18 minutes ago, Centrepin said: My daughter gets them all the time on her allotment. Small or beginnings of wasp nests. Thanks for the answers - A bit early for wasps though? Will have to ask the Memsahib as to possible disposal as the dear lady dislikes bloodshed (slight pun there) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmanwan Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 It's a wasp nest that's just starting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 It’s the nest of one of many solitary wasps, it wont get much bigger and usually don’t cause any problems, if you can leave it they are good for your garden, killing many garden pests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 That is good news, thank you old'un. I will leave the nest alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benthejockey Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 Wasp, they've been about a good few weeks now. As soon as it stopped raining it started warming up and the 20 degree temps are more than. Warm enough to get the stingy little blighters on the move. Treat with extreme prejudice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samboy Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 I had 2 of these in my loft. When i realized what they were i soon got rid of them. I think i will have another look up there in case there's any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 Had one on my bedroom curtain a couple of years ago. I left it to watch its progress only to be woken early one morning some weeks later with loads of newly hatched little blighters all over the bed, my wife was not amused. Fascinating though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 Mmmm Might change my mind and dispose of the nest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 20 minutes ago, CaptC said: Mmmm Might change my mind and dispose of the nest. There will not be swarms of wasps, maybe 50 or so. I have had them in my shed and they just come and go and as Charlie T said they are fascinating to watch, if you are unsure, just keep an eye on them, if you feel threatened they are easy to kill with a can of wasp/fly killer, just give the nest a good spray and retreat, you may need a second spray just to finish them off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 Thanks for that one old'un - Will give it some thought over night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39TDS Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 It is the start of a wasps nest, as has been said. At this time of year wasps are out collecting caterpillars to feed their young, they are very efficient at this and will remove an incredible amount of pests from the garden. Later in the year they switch from this protein requirement and go after more sugary things, fruit, sweets, pop, beer etc. It is at this time they become a nuisance. The clever thing to do is leave them alone for now and then see them off just as they switch to being a pain (literally). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 33 minutes ago, 39TDS said: It is the start of a wasps nest, as has been said. At this time of year wasps are out collecting caterpillars to feed their young, they are very efficient at this and will remove an incredible amount of pests from the garden. Later in the year they switch from this protein requirement and go after more sugary things, fruit, sweets, pop, beer etc. It is at this time they become a nuisance. The clever thing to do is leave them alone for now and then see them off just as they switch to being a pain (literally). No its not, it’s the wrong construction for a start, look up solitary wasps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39TDS Posted May 10, 2020 Report Share Posted May 10, 2020 I looked it up and now think it is a Murder Hornet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Aaaaaaaágh! Seriously - great information. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 (edited) All the BIG nests start as little ones like that! Edited May 11, 2020 by TIGHTCHOKE SPELLAGE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Monday morning - I will watch the nest, if it gets any bigger it will have to go! I don't think it's a Killer hornet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lampwick Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 It's a wasp starter cell/nest. Built by the queen who will be laying eggs in it to get her workers up and running. I would get rid of it ASAP. Do it in the dark to ensure she is in there (if it's big enough there may be workers already, get them too) A blast with a decent insect spray knock, it into a box or bag and squash it. Then on to the bin. Take care not to disturb any occupants so they attack you. Take precautions to avoid getting stung, especially if you have any reactions to insect stings. If she (the queen) is active it will grow rapidly if left. I run a pest control company, you could always pay me to come and sort it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Just now, Lampwick said: It's a wasp starter cell/nest. Built by the queen who will be laying eggs in it to get her workers up and running. I would get rid of it ASAP. Do it in the dark to ensure she is in there (if it's big enough there may be workers already, get them too) A blast with a decent insect spray knock, it into a box or bag and squash it. Then on to the bin. Take care not to disturb any occupants so they attack you. Take precautions to avoid getting stung, especially if you have any reactions to insect stings. If she (the queen) is active it will grow rapidly if left. I run a pest control company, you could always pay me to come and sort it! What do you charge per mile? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 27 minutes ago, Lampwick said: It's a wasp starter cell/nest. Built by the queen who will be laying eggs in it to get her workers up and running. I would get rid of it ASAP. Do it in the dark to ensure she is in there (if it's big enough there may be workers already, get them too) A blast with a decent insect spray knock, it into a box or bag and squash it. Then on to the bin. Take care not to disturb any occupants so they attack you. Take precautions to avoid getting stung, especially if you have any reactions to insect stings. If she (the queen) is active it will grow rapidly if left. I run a pest control company, you could always pay me to come and sort it! 21 minutes ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: What do you charge per mile? Sorry but being Cornish x Yorkshire the very thought of paying makes me quake! Seriously - I will remove the nest this evening when it gets dark. I will quickly pop it into a bag and squash it! Cheers all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Just now, CaptC said: Sorry but being Cornish x Yorkshire the very thought of paying makes me quake! Seriously - I will remove the nest this evening when it gets dark. I will quickly pop it into a bag and squash it! Cheers all No take it down carefully and post it to someone, not me though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptC Posted May 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 1 minute ago, TIGHTCHOKE said: No take it down carefully and post it to someone, not me though! I have your address? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted May 11, 2020 Report Share Posted May 11, 2020 Oh I know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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