Questions & answers about wasp nests
Peter asked:
We have a bathroom mirror that we can illuminate. Each morning after switching the mirror on wasps appear from behind it. I removed the mirror and put powder down the hole where the wiring goes and refitted mirror but the wasps are still appearing each morning. As it is a cavity wall the nest could be anywhere! Any suggestions?
Paul Sweet replied:
Hi Peter, obviously the light or light from the bathroom is attracting them through the hole where the wiring comes through the wall. A couple of suggestions: 1. Have the nest appropriately treated. 2. You could try blocking the hole as best as you can with packing tape (this will prevent them from getting into the bathroom but will not kill the nest).
Fran asked:
Hello Paul. We have our exterminator waiting on an answer from us as to whether or not we want him to treat the hornet nest . Will we have an odor in there from the dead hornets & larvae? It\'s located in the eave beside our kitchen & there is no plaster board in between. Only insulation. We\'re afraid of getting an odor in our kitchen. Thanks
Paul Sweet replied:
Hi Fran, your exterminator should advise you on what you should or should not expect. I take it he is a professional pest controller? Anyway, you should not experience any odour from dead wasps or hornets, but sometimes the nest can become damp due to insect prey being dropped at the bottom of the nest and can happen regardless if the nest is treated or not. This dampness can smell musty for a while.
Fran asked:
Hi Paul. Thanks for the answer. I have another question. If we just leave the hornets nest alone will everything in it leave after cold weather? We don\'t want one of the queens hibernating in it and having another swarm of hornets in it next year. Thanks
Paul Sweet replied:
Hi Fran, if you leave the nest alone, it will mature and release new queens. These may or may not hibernate in your locality and decide to build a new nest next year. I cannot tell you if this will happen or not as no one can predict this, it is pot luck if you get another nest next year. All social wasps make a new nest each year. http://www.hampshire-waspcontrol.co.uk/wasp-lifecycle.php Hope this helps P.S wasps do not swarm, only honey bees.