The nest is vacant and I took some photos this morning before it completely disintegrated. It was about the size of a basketball and strangely, we had never noticed a problem with wasps although it must have housed quite a population when it was active.
The symmetry of the individual cells is amazing. The overall construction is astounding. I tried to salvage some of it to try to incorporate into an art piece but it was too fragile.
We had a giant nest, too, and we were just as lucky; no one was stung, though the nest was in a tree right by our driveway and basketball hoop. I've kept a piece from the nest as well. It's fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI used to get them in my old house. One year my son took one to school for Show & Tell only to find out that it wasn't completely empty, so watch out.
ReplyDeleteYou can use the paper to make paper for a scrapbook or album. You can sew it, glue it, etc.
ReplyDeleteI unwrapped one once - it was an amazingly long piece. And the layers that I found inside were intriguing. It was like a veritable high rise. I've watched wasps chew the deck railing and knew they were building nearby. It is really a fascinating process and feat of engineering. Lucky you to have one to examine close up.
ReplyDeleteLynne
What a great thermofax screen your photos would make!
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw your post, I thought Jane will figure out a way to include this in one of her pieces. Since it disintegrated, why not take your photo and make your own background fabric? I know you will think of something. But it is amazing how intricate it is.
ReplyDeletevery cool pictures even if you didn't manage to save some for art...
ReplyDeleteby the way - tag, you're it!
yup, I was thinking thermofax too. gorgeous find.
ReplyDelete