Several years ago, I made a crocheted decoy wasp nest for my mom to hang outside her camper. Fast forward to this year , and my siblings put in a request for 3 of them. I had the perfect yarn already set aside to make some, and when I had a lot of car time on a recent trip to Nova Scotia, I got busy. I was able to complete all 3 during the trip- there was a lot of driving involved
They need to be stuffed with polyfil or plastic bags, but they will decide what they want to use.
The first one was a little smaller because I used a 4.5 mm hook, but I went up to a 5 mm hook for the next two. The yarn I used is a Loops & Threads variety, and I think the colorway is Chameleon (it’s pouring rain right now and the bag of yarn is still in the car, so I can update that once I check). I used a free pattern from here:
I have been using a stuffed paper lunch bag but this is so much better! I could see it in plarn for excellent outdoor durability too. Very cool, thanks for sharing!
@Magpie , does the paper bag work? I saw some paper ones when we stopped into Canadian Tire (they were like those Chinese paper lanterns, but in earth tones), so I figure that they do work. But, you’re right, durability would definitely be an issue! And, plarn would be a great idea! I made 3 from one ball of the yarn, and I had a golf ball sized ball left at the end, so I could give you an estimate on how much it might take, once I check the ball band.
They look so real! Great work. I heard about paper bags, too. But I also read that wasps rely heavily on scents and that all of those decoys only have small effects. So it’s good to hear that your family has positive experience.
The paper bags work completely, we haven’t had a nest in years. I believe wasps are very territorial. Scenting may be for identifying their own kin but I don’t think they are likely invaders of another crew’s space. I’ll have to look that up…
And, I am hoping to get a shot of them hanging in place. I had put aside a bunch of plastic bags the last time I took my mom shopping, but I forgot to take them when I left. I’m not sure if they have anything to stuff them with!
Congratulations! Your brillaint Decoy Wasp Nests are is a Featured Project this week!