If the wasps constructed a nest in the bird house last year and the birds did OK it doesn't seem likely that would change this year. There are some birds that deliberately build their nests close to a wasp or bee nest/colony because it provides protection from predators. Unlikely in this case, though. But it seems that if the birds and bees can co-exist peacefully..........then it should be left alone.

Something interesting to contemplate, too: watch this nest box carefully during the coming season and see how the two species do together. Would be a fun project.

Susan

Message: 6Date: Tue, 8 May 2007 14:40:05 -0800From: "Valerie Anderson" <valerie62266 at earthlink.net>Subject: [Tweeters] wasps in bird housesTo: tweeters at u.washington.eduMessage-ID: <410-2200752822405328 at earthlink.net>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hello Tweets,I have a question about wasps (the kind that make the papery honey-comb like nests) in bird houses. On of my bird houses, which is currently being seriously considered if not already nested in by black-capped chickadees, is also being occupied by the wasps. It is a house that has successfully produced fledglings in the past. When I cleaned it out this winter, there was a wasp nest in it, which I removed. Yesterday, I noticed wasps flying in and out of it again, and today a chickadee appears to be building a nest or at least visiting it frequently. My concern is if the wasps pose a threat to the birds, the eggs or the chicks? At this stage in the game, is there anything I can do to get rid of the wasps without jeopardizing the nest?Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.Valerie AndersonOlympia, Washingtonvalerie62266 at earthlink.net
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