Thu 12 Nov 2009
Good Things: Living in harmony with nature
In the middle of August, Pat found a hornet’s nest in one of the bushes on our property. Neither of us knew much about hornets and their nests, except that we shouldn’t stir one up.
Now we know more about the bald-faced hornet, and that’s why we left the nest alone for the past three months. They’re beneficial insects that prey on other insects you really don’t want around, such as flies. We were glad to learn that these hornets don’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
Even so, if the nest had been in a high-traffic area, reluctantly we would have done something about it, but the hornets had chosen to build in a shrub at the far end of our back yard. For the rest of the summer, I mowed the lawn carefully in that area, and we told granddaughter Diana about the nest and why she must not bother it.
We’ve had a couple of frosts, so I think the nest should be inactive and ready to take down… but I’ll wait a while longer, like until it snows. Just to be on the safe side, you know…
Angel and Kirby said,
Wed 11 Nov 2009 at 23:42
Visions of Steven Kings Shining? We try to leave hornets and wasps alone if we can. Unfortunately at my Moms., we have to take them down because she is highly allergic to some.
The Poupounette said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 5:45
Aside from the beneficial elements, these nests are also a wonder of architecture and art!
Two Sisters said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 8:18
That is a very cool hornet nest. We have never had one in our yard but we do have the ones that build brown mud tunnels. It was very smart not to try and move the nest.
Amy & The House of Cats said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 13:18
Wow that is cool that you were able to leave the nest and have no problems. I bet you noticed a lot less of the bugs they eat. But I am with you – wait for the snow to take it down.
Ginger Jasper said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 16:11
I know they are big stingers but how beautiful that nest structure.. I think you are wise to leave alone though.. HUgs Gj x
Scooby, Shaggy & Scout said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 18:04
Good of you to leave it alone since it was in an isolated spot. Lots of people just panic & smash them to bits, not realizing they can be beneficial.
We had some type of long bodied bees in the house this fall. LOTS of them. Finally discovered where they were getting in and put crack sealer down. Hopefully the problem will not repeat itself.
Momo said,
Thu 12 Nov 2009 at 20:30
The nest has a intricate structure. Live and let live.
We haven’t been around for a while. Just caught up on all the beautfully taken photos of the kitties. What a treat! Thanks for visiting.
Col said,
Fri 13 Nov 2009 at 10:12
I marvel at their ability to build such a nest. And way to go for allowing them their privacy and a safe bush in a busy world.