Wasps - ID

[dairy]

So my parents noticed wasps going in and out of the cover over their septic field tank. Normally it'd be a live and let live scenario, but these little bastards are ornery and have attacked the people and pets repeatedly. At first extermination was attempted by pounding on this cover and then swatting like mad with a broom as the irate wasps swarmed out. That didn't work Not discouraged they attempted to agitate them and then spray Raid in to the exit as they emerged. There were a few casualties (as you can see if you look below the nest) but over all it was also ineffective. Earlier this night they popped the lid off and got a good look at what they were fighting with. Below is a picture of the nest.

As far as ID, this is the best picture currently available. I may be able to get one of the dead ones that fell below the nest for a close up picture if required. These are located in the central interior of British Columbia, Canada (Chilcotin area)

The question is does anyone know what species of wasp this is? Or know of a wasp resource that would list known species by locality, morphology etc? Google was not helpful.

Also, I'm assuming the queen and maybe a few others are going to be hibernating for the winter. Will they attempt to hibernate near the nest site and rebuild or continue building in the spring?

It's getting cold already so if they're gonna take off before it freezes and not necessarily setup shop in the same location come spring, the nest will probably be left alone until they vacate of their own volition, then removed. If their gonna start in the spring from where they left off then they should be removed now.

Thanks!

 

[myrmecophile]

Well it is a Vespula species. Commonly called yellow jackets. The workers typically die off during winter with just the queen surviving. I would just wait until the colony dies back and then perform the removal at that time unless they are causing trouble right now.

 

[bhoeschcod]

it could be vespa vulgarias.

 

[dairy]

Thanks for the replies. A name should make it much easier to find more info on them. I talked to my parents and convinced them to leave it intact till everything freezes up. I think Dad wants to keep the nest. Might be a little tough getting it off in one piece, but if it's possible that'd be pretty cool. The nest is about the size of a basketball or maybe a little larger. Most of the ones we see around here are more like a small melon.

 

[tom]

wasp Id

Interesting nest, probably not Vespula vulgaris.as previously mentioned that it wasn't already.nests often contain dermestid larvae especially after death of wasps occurs and the bodies sure do attract them.Put the nest in the freezer for at least a week to kill any critters still inside,then thaw out and get a good display case to prevent it crumbling as it is paper,but very finely desined like rice paper,it tears easily.good luck..

 

[Vulgaris]

either vespula vulgaris or Vespula germanica. either way, the nest wont get much bigger. there is a male visible in the photo, which marks the decline of the nest. it will die out, and NOT be re-used.

PLEASE save it! i myself collect nests and would be happy to find such a trophy. i think you should keep it, wasp nests are beautiful!
this nest is grey, which means it is very durable. even if you cant get it off without damage, the "combs" inside are still a great trophy even without the whole "envelope"

please let us know if you collect this nest!

 

[Neuroticax]

Pretty cool. I'd say save it too, such a great work of art via nature. :clap:

 

[Vulgaris]

yeah.

it should be just about dead by the middle of next month (which would be a good time to go back and take it.)

i suggest just using a scraper and scraping it off.