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Photo#164404
Nest Found in Rafters - Eastern Shore of Maryland - Vespula germanica

Nest Found in Rafters - Eastern Shore of Maryland - Vespula germanica
Easton, Talbot County, Maryland, USA
Size: @ 24 inches in diameter
Found this while doing some demolition on my new (old) house. There appears to be no live activity around this nest, but I would like to get an idea of what it might be, and if I need to get a professional to deal with it. I can take some higher res pics if that would be helpful.

Cheers -
LFW

Not an expert....
but it sure looks a lot like jellow jacket's nest( family vespid, genus vespula....multiple species) that that I have seen in walls and attics on the west coast. The nest are usully used for one season. I believe the nest "die" back in the winter and over wintering queens start up new nest in spring. There are some great wasp experts on this site who I am sure can fill you in more.

 
I agree.
Pretty sure this is not atypical nesting location for Vespula germanica.

 
yeah..
V. germanica nests are also grey most of the time, which sets them apart from the other vespula species whose nests are tan/brown.

 
Thanks for the help Hornet's nest
The Maryland Co-operative Extension helped me identify further and to my surprise, my home pest control service came and sprayed it for free and will help me remove it.

Thanks all

Leah

 
what are you going to do with the nest?
i know of some major collectors, and i myself collect wasp nests. i dont yet have a germanica nest.

i am also curious to see how many combs this large nest has..

this image could be added to the guide,as we still need images of germanica nests!

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