How do I get rid of wasps? While building an extension to our house, a number of years ago we demolished an old garage in which there were two wasp nests. Since then we had no trouble, until this year when we did an attic conversion and in the last few weeks noticed a high number of wasps in the converted area. Eugene O'Beirn, Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
Eye on Nature is asked several times every summer about wasps and their nests. It is a very difficult, and sometimes a dangerous task to get rid of a wasps' nest. At present, they are collecting insects and grubs to feed their young, are good friends of the garden and will take no interest in anyone who does not interfere with them. In late August, the workers will knock off and go on a sugar spree. That is when they become a bit of a nuisance. If they are left alone, if people don't try to bat them away but move away from them, then they will not attack. They are all going to die with the first cold in late autumn.
In recent weeks I've observed the ornamental palm trees in people's gardens from Co Antrim to Dublin are displaying very prominent creamy-white flower bunches. Does this happen every year and I've just not noticed, or is this year special? Brian Scott, Belfast.
Palms are one of the trees that do not necessarily flower every year. Given optimum conditions, they probably would.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email: viney@anu.ie Observations sent by email should be accompanied by postal address as location is sometimes important to identification or behaviour.