Wasp nest...

[Laurajean]

Quote:
I don't think anyone has said that it isn't a wasp. I suggested that it might be a Bald-Faced Hornet (d. maculata), which is a member of the yellow jacket family, and a true wasp. I suggest this because alongside d. arenaria they are the only two species of aerial nesting yellow jackets in the western United States. North Dakota might have another aerial species, but I'd be surprised.

True paper wasps (Polistes) build nests that are shaped like an upside down cone with the the cells exposed from the bottom, clearly not matching the OP's picture. Based on the OP's description of the local wasp nests as "basketball sized" and the actual photos, the most likely culprit is d. maculata, the Bald-Faced Hronet

I wasn't debating anyone about whether it's a wasp, I was simply saying that it's clearly a wasp, what type is unclear.

I've seen many paper wasps nest in positions such as the OP's. I've been removing them for years. They are not always in the stereotypical hanging position you see in pictures. I think if it was a bald-faced hornet the OP would have noted it's distinct color and pattern and it would doubtfully be confused with a yellow jacket. I don't know if the OP has seen them enough to note this, but it clearly does not resemble a yellow jacket.

 

[Tylt33]

Quote:
A Bald-Faced Hornet IS a yellow jacket. The term "yellowjacket" refers to wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula in the United States. The other major group of social wasps is the Paper Wasps, or, Polistes. The majority of true Paper Wasps build an open-combed nest attached to a petiole. This nest has neither of those features.

 

[Mattemma]

We had a bald faced hornet nest in my kids playhouse a few years ago.I never thought to look inside the house before I opened the side wall and pushed the mower in.Boy they got me good! Beautiful papery nest hanging from the roof of the payhouse.

 

[KenK]

That is a very interesting nest, never seen one like it here in Georgia. I wonder if there is a difference in terminology between here and there and if that is a species that doesn't live in the Southeast.

Been known to leave a red wasp nest alone if it is out of the way but the yellow jackets (always underground here) are the devil, they will flat get all over you if you disturb their nest in the least.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
A Bald-Faced Hornet IS a yellow jacket. The term "yellowjacket" refers to wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula in the United States. The other major group of social wasps is the Paper Wasps, or, Polistes. The majority of true Paper Wasps build an open-combed nest attached to a petiole. This nest has neither of those features.

Oh for god's sake. I meant yellow jacket as in the traditional type of yellow jacket most commonly seen, being yellow and black, not what family it's a member of. Getting technical about what family they are in is not of much use to someone just curious about a nest on their window. I didn't rule out bald-faced hornets mind you, I only said the OP probably would have noted their clear difference in appearance from a "typical" yellowjacket. And you're just wrong about paper wasps, they DO attach in ways such as pictured. I'm not saying this nest is a paper wasp, I already said I can't be sure. But paper wasps absolutely attach in various ways. At least here in New England they do. I'm not going to debate semantics with you on my own field of work.

To debate this any further would be disrespectful to the OP's post, so why don't we not do that.

 

[Tylt33]

Quote:
If the OP wants an exact identification we should be using appropriate and scientific terminology, not misnomers and incorrect information. I've provided clear scientific information that will help lead to the correct identification of the species. I agree with you, I don't think there's much more to debate at this point

 

[KenK]

Proper taxonomy is very useful. A "trout" and a "bass" are the same thing in various areas in this neck of the woods. I would expect that using popular names would result in us talking about completely different animals.

 

[Frosty]

They aren't bald faced hornets, we have those too. They are aerial yellow jackets as I mentioned before (at least I really think they are!). I don't know if you can see them enough here, they are about 1/2 inch long:

The basket ball sized nest was the one in the eaves, we did take that one down and the wasps dropped to the roof below. That one was the biggest nest I have seen. They could possibly get bigger, more likely further south. Our summers are pretty short, they would have less than 5 months on average from last frost to first frost. This nest is actually pretty small, 5 inches across. I always go after them at night if I am going to, otherwise a lot of the wasps may not be in the nest. But I could have DS inside with a camera (it has a light on it) and have him start shooting right before I spray. I do know that looking at them from inside with a flashlight wakes them up, so he would have to wait until the last second to start. Hope we don't have to... I don't think they'll chew through the glass, so as long as they leave the window frame in one piece... Otherwise, I think this will be a very rare opportunity to observe them.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Yup, I'd say you're right! Clearly not bald faced hornets. Good plan about getting them at night, that is the best time. Although as I said before, if you can leave them and just observe, why not! Perfect viewing! Thanks for the closer pic.

 

[StrayMagnet]

omg that is freeky!!!!! There is a lil wasp nest starting under the porch where the chickens are. I have to get it out.. but im afraid to LOL its quarter size and only 2 waps on it but still. lol