Wasp Supernests

[CalMeacham]

I just hosed a nest out from under the hose support a few days ago, so this doesn’t surprise me:

Now Wasps Are Forming Massive ‘Super Nests’ Because Life Just Isn’t Scary Enough
… and climate change may be at least partly to blame.

Hail the new insect overlords.

Wasps are forming massive “super nests,” with thousands of insects ready to sting, according to agricultural experts in Alabama.

Now Wasps Are Forming Massive 'Super Nests' Because Life Just Isn't Scary Enough

This, however, DOES surprise me:

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System warned of nests the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, with as many as 15,000 wasps inside ― up to four times the size of normal nest.

Maybe the folks at the Alabama Cooperative Extension System – whatever the hell that is* – are used to different wasps than I am, but I have to say that it disturbs me that apparently their “normal” wasp nests are 1/4 the size of a Volkswagen Beetle.
I think I’m going to stay away from Alabama for a while.

*If you’re wondering – Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Wikipedia

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama Extension) provides educational outreach to the citizens of Alabama on behalf of the state’s two land grant universities: Alabama A&M University (state’s 1890 land-grant institution) and Auburn University (1862 land-grant institution).[1]

The system employs more than 800 faculty, professional educators, and staff members operating in offices in each of Alabama’s 67 counties and in nine urban centers covering the major regions of the state.[2][3] In conjunction with the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, the system also staffs six extension and research centers located in the state’s principal geographic regions.[

[Johnny_L.A]

If I may piggyback a question…

Several weeks ago I noticed a wasp’s nest on a dead tree trunk. (The trunk has been standing since I moved here, and it’s a popular spot for woodpeckers and such to peck for insects.) The nest was about the size of a 12- to 14-ounce coffee mug. One day, I noticed the nest was no longer there. I did not see it on the ground. The wasps were apparently living in a hole in the trunk. For the past week, I have seen no wasps. This morning, a raccoon climbed the tree and was not stung. (It had been before, a couple of weeks ago.)

So the first question is, what happened to the nest that was on the trunk? The second question is, after the wasps took up residence without their nest, why did they go away?

[VOW]

@Johnny_L.A

If I may piggyback a question…

Several weeks ago I noticed a wasp’s nest on a dead tree trunk. (The trunk has been standing since I moved here, and it’s a popular spot for woodpeckers and such to peck for insects.) The nest was about the size of a 12- to 14-ounce coffee mug. One day, I noticed the nest was no longer there. I did not see it on the ground. The wasps were apparently living in a hole in the trunk. For the past week, I have seen no wasps. This morning, a raccoon climbed the tree and was not stung. (It had been before, a couple of weeks ago.)

So the first question is, what happened to the nest that was on the trunk? The second question is, after the wasps took up residence without their nest, why did they go away?

Obviously, they went to Alabama to live in the gigantic Wasp Convention Supercenters!
~VOW

[DorkVader]

Uh, the size of a car? Please someone tell me this is a drunk/drug induced practical joke. Why do I see an uptick in flame thrower sales in the future?
No, that can’t be right, I see the words and understand them both individually and together as a message, but my head is just not accepting that wasps are building nests the size of cars.

[HMS_Irruncible]

I don’t know why this seems so scary. It would take weeks if not months for something that bad to build up. If it does, you just toss a gasoline-soaked rag and run away. (To be clear, don’t light the gas if it’s close to a structure).

Yellowjacket nests are easier. Approach at night, pour in a cup of gasoline. Flame optional.

[Velocity]

Maybe just don a beekeeping uniform to keep out stings, and spray with flame thrower?

[Odesio]

@Johnny_L.A

So the first question is, what happened to the nest that was on the trunk? The second question is, after the wasps took up residence without their nest, why did they go away?

There’s a logical explanation for where the— OH, MY GOD! THE NEST IS BEHIND YOU!!

[Skywatcher]

@DorkVader

Uh, the size of a car? Please someone tell me this is a drunk/drug induced practical joke. Why do I see an uptick in flame thrower sales in the future?
No, that can’t be right, I see the words and understand them both individually and together as a message, but my head is just not accepting that wasps are building nests the size of cars.

Here’s a very large hornet nest in Louisiana. IIRC, the property had been abandoned then sold; the new owner got a big surprise when he opened the shed door.

[ThelmaLou]

@CalMeacham

…
I think I’m going to stay away from Alabama for a while…

Yet another reason.

[Broomstick]

@Skywatcher

Here’s a very large hornet nest in Louisiana.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeARRRRRRRRGHHGHHGh>gibber-gibber-gibber<EEEEEeeeeEEEEEeeeeEEEEYYYARGGGHHGHURG!

::: runs away and hides ::::

[blondebear]

Back in 2015, this nest found in New Zealand was reported to be the world’s largest. It doesn’t look as big as a VW Bug, but it looks plenty big enough for me!

[Regallag_The_Axe]

@Skywatcher

Here’s a very large hornet nest in Louisiana. IIRC, the property had been abandoned then sold; the new owner got a big surprise when he opened the shed door.

WHY DID I CLICK THAT LINK? Ugh. On the upside for the new owner, he has an excuse to employ a few honest-to-god molotov cocktails.

@blondebear

Back in 2015, this nest found in New Zealand was reported to be the world’s largest. It doesn’t look as big as a VW Bug, but it looks plenty big enough for me!

I’ve learned my lesson. Definitely not clicking another link in this thread.

[Northern_Piper]

@Regallag_The_Axe

WHY DID I CLICK THAT LINK? Ugh. On the upside for the new owner, he has an excuse to employ a few honest-to-god molotov cocktails.
I’ve learned my lesson. Definitely not clicking another link in this thread.

This is one of the upsides of -40 winters. Stops the little suckers in their tracks.

[DorkVader]

Skywatcher, blondebear you are both just evil, you know that? I don’t know why wasps/hornets/yellow jackets wig me out like they do, bees don’t seem to have the same effect.

One of the most satisfying weeks of my life was discovering where the wasp nest was at my house in the course of prepping the outside for painting. Had a loose bit of siding, put a few screws in tightening and closing it back up, sealed it with caulk and painted over it. I could hear those nasty little things buzzing for almost a week inside the wall of my garage after that. But no more wasp problem.

I can’t say that my eyes turned orangey yellow when I did it, but it wouldn’t surprise me

[kferr]

I originally read the thread title as “Wasp Supremisists”. After looking at the images I don’t think I was far wrong.

[rowrrbazzle]

Youtube comment for the LA nest:

“Our hornets will blot out the Sun.”
“Then we will fight in the shed!”

Gigantic Hornets Nest Extraction in Louisiana