red wasps -folk lore?

[charles(mo)]

Today I found 2 red wasp nests. One was on a small weed in a pasture about a foot off the ground. The other one was on a pole anchor about 6 inches off the ground and it was about 5 inches in diameter. Does this mean that it will be a bad winter?

I have seen all brown wolly worm and all black wolly worms this year, so I don't have much faith in that. But if any one has heard of any folklore concerning red wasps let me know.

 

[Anonymous-0]

What a coincidence... Can't speak for any old "sayings" concerning that but there is one between my house and the road on a huisache (spelling) bush that's < than two feet off of the ground. I don't think I've ever seen that before. I'm allergic so they can have that bush.
Maybe someone can offer something on the folklore.
Take care,
mee

 

[IBorange in TX]

Folklore: My greatgrandma had a saying about the wasp nests and winter. I have no idea where she got the saying,"Small wasp nest, mild winter, but large nest indicates a hard winter".

Hope this is what you are looking for. Have only seen a couple of red wasp nest this summer, both of them about the size of a pint jar lid.
HTH
mb

 

[woodbutcher]

Charles,
I don't know about the folklore, but red wasps in our area have been nesting low all summer. I've seen nests of all sizes. What makes me wonder about the severity of the winter is the fact that I saw wild geese flying south a week ago. They are at least a month earlier than normal. Our barn swallows left a few weeks ago. That usually happens around September 15. Leaves on trees are changing colors. Our trees usually stay green till the end of September. It may not mean that it will be a severe winter, but I think it will start early.
Butch

 

[charles(mo)]

Thanks for the reply. All I know is that the way the weather is anymore, is that you can't predict it.