Hornets

[stihlmadasever]

That's Asian hornets. And regarding our 'native' bees, they ain't native, they're Spanish, ours died out in World War One.

 

European hornets, whilst being massive and scary, are relatively docile, and will warn you before attacking if you get too close to a nest. They prefer to attack a wasp nest compared to bees (as wasps put up less of a fight).

 

I stand corrected sir-i doff my hat to you guvnor:thumbup:

[mendiplogs]

I live in an old barn conversion and we had to put in 'bat pipes' when we did it. So there is a small entrance to a small enclosed loft space that is not accessible form in or out of the house. Last year we had hornets in one end and I took the decision to deal with them and block the hole. Not sure if that was right or wrong. This year they are at the other end of the house and because of the build, I can't get at the hole to block it. I've got 3 young kids and next door have kids and we have pets. I've kept the upstairs windows closed and tonight I counted at least 30 hornets on the big window at the end of the house trying to get in to the light.

 

Now, I'm not anti hornet. At the moment we live and let live. They are above our main yard and they come and go as do we. I am happy to let this go into the winter as they haven't hurt us yet. It's a bit scary but I'm keeping the faith that they are not bothered about us. Especially with kids playing in the yard.

 

What I would like to know is the science behind it. Assuming they have nested in my tiny loft space, is that a permanent home? Will they just leave for the winter? If I block up that hole this winter will I harm the nest? Should I welcome them to my home? They don't worry me personally but I've got kids and pets and they are big buzzy buggers.

 

Any comments welcome.

 

Hi mate we have them to in our old place seen them near the wallplate guttering and in the house thanks Jon

[Billhook]

That's Asian hornets. And regarding our 'native' bees, they ain't native, they're Spanish, ours died out in World War One.

 

European hornets, whilst being massive and scary, are relatively docile, and will warn you before attacking if you get too close to a nest. They prefer to attack a wasp nest compared to bees (as wasps put up less of a fight).

 

 

Yes I saw this first hand last year down at our log cabin. Hornets built a nest about a foot away from a fully developed and active wasps nest.

And I have found them to be very docile unless heavily provoked when they start spraying venom in the air then it is time to make a hasty retreat.

 

We had a big log by the cabin once and I had cut out a seat with the chainsaw. We had sat on the seat many times before realising that hornets had made a nest inside the hollow trunk. They did not warn us once but when we realised there was a nest we obviously did not sit there any more.

 

However a "right to roam" walker with a dog sat on it when we were not about and the dog started to dig into the hollow. It was stung a couple of times and the lady once on her head.

She came up to the farm where my father examined her. Father was a bit of an entomologist and knew that the sting was no worse than a wasp in venom terms, but the sting itself slashes the skin which makes the wound more severe. He was parting her hair fascinated to see the damage but the lady was not so keen to help him with his quest!

[kip]

yep, leave em alone, slow, dopey and non-aggressive, relatively rare compared to their little nasty cousins, just look a bit scary up close and personal

[Stereo]

If they eat wasps, they are good by me. Funnily enough, there have been very few wasps about this year.