Okay fellas, got a problem....I think...

[Ecumenist]

Here goes- For the last 3.5 weeks I have had a group of approx. 50 "hornets" in a clump on on the ceiling of my covered porch. They seem to be just staying in a group, occasionally moving an inch or two but basically staying in that group. I have walked out on this porch to water my plants and stand around and they don't move. They aren't as large as yellow jackets and indeed, are VERY dark with very closely spaced horizontal stripes on their abdomens. they seem to be larger than bees by about 30% and seem to prefer to huddle the most near the point where the ceiling meets the overhang. Does anyone have any idea what they are and why they're doing this? Understandably, I'm a bit nervous about these critters. They NEVER fly away; they're there day AND night. Whassup widdem ??!!

[TygrBright]

1. Whereabouts are you? Sounds like they're constructing a winter nest...

...but it would be a little early for that if yer down south.

If they really creep you out, phone up the state Extension service and ask 'em for advice on what kinda critter they might be and how to get rid of them.

helpfully,
Bright

[Ecumenist]

2. Hiya Bright...

I'm in Sacramento, which is really weird. The first thing Himself said is that he wondered if it meant that we were going to have a harsh, early and unusually cold winter.

[Blue Gardener]

3. See if this helps

There is quite a bit of information about wasps and other insects on the Extension Service website. There is also number to call for assistance. Good Luck!

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html

[flying_wahini]

4. have you checked your attic for a nest extension?

they can sometimes penetrate small holes and make nests
between walls and in attic spaces..... qualifier - I have heard this;
have never had one myself.