Wasps in bird box

I have a bird box that has been awaiting residance for several years with no takers.
I now have some wasps showing interest.
I would normally despatch the varmits and have it done with, but,
these wasps appear to be a lot smaller then the usual
(I`m a big wasp and I`m going to sting you) kind of beastie.
Question is.
Could it be possible that these wasps may be beneficial to my garden?
robert

 

There are quite a few different types of wasps, with variations in size and color however these will be the stinging type not solitary wasps that are harmless.

The best thing is to kill them off.

 

I reckoned that would be the answer, but I have to ask.
Thanks Paul.
The deed will be done tomorrow
robert

 

Robert is there any chance of a photo of them at all?If they are wasps then they do some good in the garden by eating aphids which to me are a bigger pest.

Please only kill them as a last resort.If you can somehow get the lid of the nest box opened without being stung then the wasps might clear off and go somewhere else.After they have gone you might need to block up the entrance hole until the spring when hopefully you might be able to entice birds into the box.

In one of our allotment sheds we have a small colony of bees and despite getting stung by one of them last week,I am determined to let them stay because they do a good job of pollinating my fruit and veg flowers and as they are starting to get rare then we all need to do something to save them

 

Leave them alone, they aren't doing you any harm

 

Not yet they are not. Exterminate them.

Kandyfloss, as you mentioned bees do some good, Capney has wasps, not bees,so .....................

 

I hate wasps ever since they built a nest in our attic. The exterminator man that came said it was the biggest nest he'd ever seen.

I also hate them because last year when on holiday in Cornwall they invaded my jam scone and forced me to abandon it. I was enjoying it too.

 

Ok. I sense a reprive for the wasps for this day.
We seem to have a difference of opinion across the board based on personnel opinions, and rightly so as thats what these boxes are for.
I shall take a picture or two of the outside of the box. I do not fancy taking the top off as if I listen there is quite a healthy buzzing coming from inside.
They are not bothering me at this time and indeed if they are doing some good on removing aphids from the garden then they can stay under my rules. If they become a nuisance a simple plug of wood in the hold should solve the issue.
Pictures coming up later
robert

 

Well done Caps,aslong as they are not in a thoroughfare they do a lot of good in the garden,wasps are meat eaters and in the summer months spend all their time hunting down garden pests caterpillars etc,it's only in autumn they become problematic they go for the sweet substances especially ripe fruit they actually become intoxicated on it,all wasps apart from queens die off in winter and they don't use the same nest twice (hornets will) so if you can let them co-exist let them do so.

 

Please don't kill them!! Wasp's have a really bad reputation, but they are wonderful insects. They help keep bugs down in the garden for a start!!

Wasps only use a nest for one season. Once the first frost come they will die & that nest will never be used again. You can then remove the nest from the bird box for the birds in spring.

If they are not causing you a problem then leave them alone. They won't bother you unless you disturb them.

I must have a wasp nest in my garden somewhere as i keep finding them chewing wood pulp from my fence posts. Its great to watch them & even hear them chewing!!

 

Please don't kill them!! Wasp's have a really bad reputation, but they are wonderful insects. They help keep bugs down in the garden for a start!!

Wasps only use a nest for one season. Once the first frost come they will die & that nest will never be used again. You can then remove the nest from the bird box for the birds in spring.

If they are not causing you a problem then leave them alone. They won't bother you unless you disturb them.

I must have a wasp nest in my garden somewhere as i keep finding them chewing wood pulp from my fence posts. Its great to watch them & even hear them chewing!!

 

I thought I was alone in hearing them chewing the wood to make their nests.

Amazing creatures. The sting lasts less than a minute.

 

As usual an amazing response to my question. Thank you all for your knowledgeable replies.
I choice has been made and they can stay in a predator roll.
I have taken on board the comments about them not coming back, or they will be coming back next year.
Best option seems to be once they have died off and really good clean of the box and lets see what happens next year.
Here is a picture of one of the little beasties.

 

excellent

 

Water Garden I know Robert was talking about Wasps,that is why I said to let them live as they eat aphids:cnfs::D

Robert brilliant photo.I should do as everyone has suggested and just let them do their on thing this year:thmb:

Peri,that is a good bit about them smelling their old lodgings because I removed some stuff from my bee shed and some of the bees started to buzz round it and I thought then it was as if they could smell the items I had taken out.This is the second year that these bees have used the shed so there must be something in that:gnthb: