Paper Wasps -- The Epilogue

The paper wasp nest in Friday's blip was removed without injury to myself, though it was a close call.

I'd given a lot more thought to the method, and realized that the crucial point was going to be sealing the bag before the wasps had time to escape from the nest. My weapon of choice was a nylon mesh bag with double drawstrings.

It was a tricky operation. The nest was was very close to the ground and to a rock on one side. I had to kneel on the porch, above ground level, in an awkward position to reach it.

With one string in each hand, I carefully slid the bag under the nest and up over it , but I nudged the nest slightly and one of the wasps made a dash (beeline?) for the bag opening. I yanked on the cords, trapping the wasp halfway out, then gave it a coup de grace between the finger and thumb of my thick leather work glove.

I put the mesh bag inside a plastic zip-lock bag and placed them in the freezer overnight. I then removed all my protective gear and relaxed with a glass of rose.

See Cynthia's blip for a photo of the nest dissection this morning.