peter wrote:
In a shrub area, I found about ten sand mounds about 1-inch diameter with a
hole in the center about 5-mm. I also notice bee-like insects with black and
yellow stripes flying into the holes. They are about 1-cm long, smaller than
an average bee. Plus, the nest looks nothing like a bee nest (on high places
buzzing with activities).

Any idea what this insect is?

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/672644
The arrows point to the mounds and in the middle of the red circle is one of
those bugs hovering in the air -- please click on "original" to see it; it's
kind of blurry.




Yellow Jackets. Should be called 'runner' bees as that is what you will
be doing.

My cousin and I were in a golf course/park in West Virginia. We were
walking in this sort of ditch/stream that ran through the park. We
walked with 1 foot on either side. We walked up on a nest.

Then we ran about 1/2 mile all the way home while they were stinging us
the whole way. Probably got 10-15 stings.
So you don't have to get rid of them. You can keep them around as
personal trainers

--
Respectfully,


CL Gilbert