PB came up to me and asked me if there was a beehive in the tree. I said no, and he then proceeded to walk me over and show me this:

It still isn’t a beehive. It’s a bald face hornet nest. I think most regular people would take a step back, or maybe even some more dramatic freak out. I am too much a biologist. I got closer and investigated.

I’m still trying to decide what to do about it. Options include letting it be, spraying it, duct taping and dumping it, or calling the landlord. Right now, I’ve mostly just let it be. It might be a hazard for stings: when these hornets sting it hurts, and they can do it over and over again. But they also are not going to sting unprovoked. I can see a failed removal attempt causing a lot more damage than just letting it be.

I do want the nest. It could be both educational, and something to incorporate into the home decor. It is gorgeous. This link even has directions…

What would you do?

Update: I collected it in late fall.