The wasps are alive!  That was my goal.  When I discovered water finding its way into the basement via an ill-fitting and leaf-clogged downspout, I borrowed my neighbor’s ladder.  Then, just in time, I saw the wasps, above my back door and two feet from the gutter in question.  So, I returned the ladder and let both the clog and the hive be for a few days while I wondered and worried and got on the web to find solutions. No toxic sprays, please.  As loudly as my desire for a dry basement was calling me to do something, I really wanted to avoid fatalities.

I learned that there are solitary wasps and social ones, and it’s important to know which ones you’re dealing with. Supposedly, the solitary type are more docile, while the social wasps can be quite defensive of their territory and young.  I think these are of the social variety, caring for the next wasp generation, so a ‘do not disturb’ sign seemed to light up on the hive!

I called my friend Victor.  Needing to amplify the ingenuity and commitment to a wasp-friendly solution,  I invited his strategic help.   After much brainstorming, negotiating, and investigating the entire situation, we finally got to the job. Tapping, futzing, flushing  and noise-making eventually cleared the system without threatening the hive.  How did that happen?  At most, the occasional scout would circle out, and we would back away.   Respectfully.  Beyond that, my theory is that somehow the wasps were in harmony with the whole ruckus.

Maybe they knew our peaceful intentions, or maybe we were lucky.  Whatever the case, I’m grateful the waterway is clear and I send the wasps a whisper of thanks every time I go in and out that door.