Unwelcome Squatters

A couple of days ago I laid out a hose to water a flowering red currant bush that wasn't included in the drip system coverage. We've had a long dry spell, and the plant was looking parched.

Yesterday I noticed that paper wasps had decided the hose was a good place to build a nest. Cynthia and I didn't like their choice, so I went out after the wasps were tucked in for the night and doused the nest with boiling water laced with mint oil.

The wasps were back at work today, as you can see from this blip. Tonight I will cover up as much of my skin as possible and try again to get rid of them. My plan is to hold a sturdy plastic bag below the nest, cut the stem with pruning shears, and (quickly) close the neck of the bag.

I'm not looking forward to this.

P.S. I found a small vacant nest in the door of my Trooper a few years ago.

P.P.S. Thanks to C for loaning me her camera so I didn't have to get too close for comfort.