How to Make a Fake Wasp Nest
Whether you are looking for an activity for your classroom or trying to keep wasps from building nests in your yard, a fake wasp nest provides a teaching tool and a natural way of deterring wasps. Some people hang brown paper bags from a string to trick the territorial wasps into thinking another hive has claimed your yard. No one has quantified how well the fake wasp nest works as a deterrent, but a more realistic nest may have a better chance of success.
Blow up the balloon to a decently large size and tie it closed.
Tie a string between the knot and the inflated section of the balloon.
Mix a thick glue and water solution. Proportions vary with the thickness of the glue, but use more glue than water so the final mixture is not thick or runny.
Cut newspaper into strips approximately 1 inch by 1 foot.
Dip a newspaper strip into the bucket of the glue and water mixture, and shake it loosely over the bucket.
Place the strip on the balloon so that it lays flat.
Continue adding strips, ensuring you cover the entire balloon, and leave the long end of the string poking out of the newspaper. Thick covering takes longer to dry but becomes more durable.
Let it dry overnight.
Paint the newspaper balloon gray and let the paint dry. This may need to be done in sections to cover the entire balloon.
Puncture the balloon inside the newspaper with a straight pin and tie the fake nest to your house, a tree or any other object in your yard.
Tip
If the balloon won't stay steady, use a cup to hold it upright.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Born and raised in West Virginia, Megan Hippler has been writing environmental articles since 2008. Her work has appeared on the websites of various state government departments. Hippler has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Hollins University.
