Removing a Yellow Jacket Nest, what happened before I got there?

This video is a yellow jacket nest removal inside of a hunting blind. This removal took place on 8-25-24 in Western PA. There was a few visible at the nest but I discovered the nest was relatively empty. Asking for help because I want to learn. Comment if you have an answer.

[@Outdoorsful-living]

Want to see some other wasp nest removals I’ve filmed, go to my playlist! th-cam.com/play/PLPF7xEBdv9DU_YCwHivd5_WeiIJUDKPHr.html&si=E2GJMfpszkaFBrNu

[@herc1120]

Dolichovespula arenaria nests are the first to die off. Typically these nests go from late April to mid-August to early September in Pennsylvania so it is normal for this nest to be nearly completed its cycle by now.

[@Outdoorsful-living]

@@herc1120 thank you, would you suggest any good books on identifying? I have “the social wasps of North America” book

[@billinct860]

What seemed odd to me is there appeared to be only worker cells. Apart from that it looks like an abandoned nest you might find later in the season after the frosts come. It could have just started earlier than usual and so finished up faster.

[@Outdoorsful-living]

@@billinct860 that’s an interesting point I’ll have to rewatch the end. This was a weird year for weather for us, I’ve removed several aerial yellow jacket nests (even one yesterday) that were less than half of this size. Thanks for watching / responding I’m always trying to learn more!