The Disappearing Wasp Nest

My friend Starr is terrified of wasps and justifiably so. When stung she has had horrific reactions that included intense pain, shallow breathing, rapid and massive swelling of the site, fever, headache, nausea and dizziness. Not a pleasant experience. Wary of wasps, we are careful when we grab a bush or climb the creek bank. As wasps buzz and dart, a backyard barbecue can be an intimidating event.

There are over 20 varieties of wasps in the families Sphecidae and Vespidae that inhabit Montana. Some make their nests high in the trees, or under eves; others prefer to be closer to the ground and will make their nest in an exposed root mass, under overhanging branches and in brush or ground cover. Still other swarms will nest in soil in preexisting cavities such as a ground squirrel’s domain or a marmot burrow. Some years they seem to be everywhere. Scary!

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