An extract from Country Life, 1912:

SIR, A few days ago I got rid of a troublesome wasps' nest in a way which proved more interesting that the conventional methods. First of all, with the help of a long-handled spud, a hole was bored about a foot below the nest. Into the tunnel was then pushed a carbide tin full of gunpowder. Then, all being ready, the fuse was lit and the spectators retired to a safe position on one flank. The nest was blown to rags, while the shock was sufficient to kill all the wasps instantly. I can recommend this plan of getting rid of wasps' nests as being much more interesting than the usual one of smoking and then digging them out.

Sounds fun, but might not be a good idea on the nest in my loft!

If i didn't like Wasps so much i might give it a try.

I was foxed by the purpose of the potato till I looked up spud and found it was "a narrow-bladed spade for cutting roots, digging up weeds, etc."

I don't think it would have been an appropriate method for the nest vegpatchmum had trouble with.

I don't know....