> That would be the one, although it may be a separate species in North America - Vespula alascensis. Don't know if that little debate has been resolved or not. Thanks Bill. Internet search seems to confirm that alascencis in the US was originally mis-identified as vulgaris. Looks like they are very similar. I have destroyed many ground nests of vulgaris and they have never tried to attack me. I just use ant killer powder (0.5% bendiocarb) puffed into the entrance; ant killer powder is a quarter of the price of wasp killer powder - presumably because people are afraid of wasps but not ants. The wasps carry it in and normally there is no activity 20 minutes later. I have a 2' tube on the nozzle of the puffer pack which makes it easy to get to nest entrances in buildings. Best wishes Peter 52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html