Homemade Wasps Nest
Although most people are familiar with ants and bees, most know little about the equally fascinating (and ubiquitous) wasp. Wasps are found all over the world and are important parts of the natural ecosystem, helping to control insect pests which destroy crops. Like ants and bees, they are social insects, building complicated nests. Dissecting and reconstructing a fuctional wasp nest can be a fun activity, integrating aspects of biology, ecology and art.
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Getting Ready
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There are many different types of wasps, but most social wasps construct nests by chewing wood pulp with its manibles to create cellulose--essentially paper. If your purpose is to build a functional wasp nest that will attract wasps, start by close examination of wast nests of species local to your area. (A pest control company can provide sample nests.) With a utility knife, carefully dissect the nest horizontally and vertically, making note of its size and shape.
Making Paper Mache
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Paper mache, a substance very similar to what wasps use in the wild, will be used to create the wasp nest. Make paper mache out of a old egg cartons by soaking the carton in water until mushy. Mix and smash the carton until it is the consistency of oatmeal, then add a few teaspoons of salt and a few tablespoons of white glue. Paper mache may be stored in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator until ready for use.
Molding the Wasps' Nest
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Set out the dissected wasps' nest as a model and review its construction. Typically it will consist of layers of honeycombs, which can be molded in the paper mache by creating a flat layer and poking with a hexagonal pencil. The size of the nest should mimic the size of local species.
Luring Wasps
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To attract wasps, add a bit of lunchmeat to one of the holes of your wasp nest, or sprinkle some confectionary sugar, then dampen. Place your paper mache nest in places wasps like to nest, such as a quiet, out of the way place like the gutter or eaves of a house.
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