Is something going to hatch from this and kill us in our sleep?

[GrouchyKiwi]

We've just moved into a new (older) house and this is hanging out in the corner of the ceiling in a room off the garage.

Any ideas what it is? I have no idea how to google for it. I suspect "horrifying sphere" won't work.

Wasp or hornet nest. They don't return to the same one in subsequent years..

Wasp nest?

Wasp next maybe, if you are on facebook post a picture in the NHM Biodiversity group, lots of knowledgeable people there.

nest*

Well. That's a relief. It does look rather like a wasp nest, from photos. There certainly aren't any wasps hanging around.

Is it best to remove it so nothing else moves in, or are they generally regarded as cursed property in the insect world?

Looks like a beautiful wasp nest to me. Suggest you get some wasp nest spray and just make sure it’s empty .

That is the nest built by an overwintering Queen wasp. I had to remove one in our loft, but it had already been predated by a large spider living adjacent, so it was empty when I got it outside. Photos attached!

I would leave it and let it go and start a new colony I’m spring (unless it’s already empty).

It should be empty and safe to remove - a local primary school might be interested, I remember we had one in our classroom "nature corner" (in the 80s!!)

They are quite lovely when they're not hanging in the corner of your garage.

Will research some more about wasp nests before we decide what to do.

Thank you!