Yellowjackets

2011-09-11 - Out in the Yard 041, a photo by robj_1971 on Flickr.

We saw what was causing both the holes in the tree and the sawdust.

I never would have guessed in a million years.

Yellowjackets.

Jen saw dust blowing away with the breeze so we went out to investigate. At first we saw nothing, but then I saw the dust blowing away too and tracked it down to a specific hole.

As we watched the whole would fill up with sawdust that would after a second or two get pushed out. Clearly something was in that hole borrowing deeper. We both feared we were witnessing termites in action.

Then as the dust was finally pushed out of the entrance to the hole the culprit showed itself. It was an ugly yellow and black striped tail. A yellowjacket. Clear as day.

I really never would have guessed.

Later we finally got our first estimate from a tree removal service. We expected it to be insane and it was. We have yet to say yes or no to them, but we're going to have to get rid of this dying sucker soon.

I'll let you know.