Underground Paperwasp Nest Under Live Oak

whpacejr

While pruning my oak tree (15 years old and ~30-foot tall), I discovered a paperwasp nest (size unknown) coming out of the ivy ground cover (Hedera variety) that surrounds the base of the tree. I'm considering using a method of pouring boiling water (approximately 2-gallons) mixed with Dawn dish soap down the entrance to the nest to erradicate the wasps. Will this method harm my oak tree?

Should I remove the ivy to minimize the possibility of future wasp nests and to prevent harm to the tree? The ivy doesn't appear to be hurting the tree as it is healthy and flourishing. The ivy only covers an area of ~24 square feet, is trimmed regularly and does not climb up the tree.

Brent Ferris

I don't think there is any need to kill the wasps so drastically. Paperwasps are basically predators that bring other food back to the nest. In time, they will find somewhere else and move, or if you have frost will die and start again. Boiling water will do nothing good for the oak roots, If the ivy is not growing on the tree, then it is acting as a live mulch to minimize heat gain during the day and minimize drying of the soil, and ameliorating heat loss at night -- more important in the colder months.
If you feel you have to get rid of the wasps, and do not want to hire an exterminator, a pipe attached to the exhaust of the car will suffocate them with carbon monoxide; stuffing the hole with something impenetrable might work (not concrete); if it is a shallow hole, drowning with cold water will work minimizing damage to the roots and trunk.

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