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How to Keep a Wasp Nest as a Decoration

Wasps build their nests out of chewed wood fiber and saliva, creating a multi-chambered structure. Wasp colonies begin to break down in the fall, and the wasps eventually abandon their nests. After the first hard freeze, it is safe to take the wasp nest inside and keep it. Though fragile, a wasp nest is an object that can last almost indefinitely if preserved correctly.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Cardboard box
Desiccant bag

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the wasp nest from where it is hanging using a sharp knife. If the nest is in a tree or bush, cut the branches that intersect the nest, beginning at the bottom and working your way up. These branches can easily be trimmed to size later, and also provide an easy means of hanging the nest for display.
- 2
  Place the wasp nest in a cardboard box with an open top. It is fragile and it should not be handled excessively.
- 3
  Put a small desiccant bag in the box with the wasp nest.
- 4
  Place the box containing the wasp nest in a cool, dry spot for several months. This dries the nest out thoroughly. After drying, the nest is ready to be hung up or stored in a case. It is still fragile, but it will not rot or give off an odor.

Insects & Science