Home: Wasp/Hornet Problem

[Morbid]

So this year, our house has become a battle ground between me and the invading armies of a separate wasps and hornets (we have both).  I've tried a couple natural solutions - I've planted 14 different plants that supposedly ward off these vengeful creatures.  I've tried commercial grade pesticides - which only succeeded in killing some of my plants.  I've even tried to unleash a spider into the areas - only to find the spider swarmed.  Any suggestions?

[RandallS]

So this year, our house has become a battle ground between me and the invading armies of a separate wasps and hornets (we have both).

Here (and when we were in Texas) they tend to build nests under the eaves of the house. I've found the only way to get rid of them is to spray the nests (preferably when they are small) with commercial Wasp/Hornet spray during the day then go back out at night and knock the nests down and spray them again.  I use the sprays that let you "shoot" the nest from 10-12 feet away.

[Owl]

Here (and when we were in Texas) they tend to build nests under the eaves of the house. I've found the only way to get rid of them is to spray the nests (preferably when they are small) with commercial Wasp/Hornet spray during the day then go back out at night and knock the nests down and spray them again.  I use the sprays that let you "shoot" the nest from 10-12 feet away.

In western Washington we get a lot of yellow jackets (wasps). That is the only time we advocate using poison. The spray from a distance as Randall said. The kind we get foams and the have to crawl through that to get out.  In the winter it is cold enough that they are dormant and we clean out the old nests and kill whatever is in them.  Apparently the grubs are supposed to be good to eat. I told my husband he was on his own there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Ashmire]

So this year, our house has become a battle ground between me and the invading armies of a separate wasps and hornets (we have both).  I've tried a couple natural solutions - I've planted 14 different plants that supposedly ward off these vengeful creatures.  I've tried commercial grade pesticides - which only succeeded in killing some of my plants.  I've even tried to unleash a spider into the areas - only to find the spider swarmed.  Any suggestions?

You might have already tried this, but I have read that studies show two things wasps hate above all else are neighbors of their own kind, and the smell of eucalyptus and peppermint oil (i.e. Vick's. VapoRub).   Therefore a fake wasp nest can be one method of discouraging them, especially if you fill it with Vick's.   It may not work on an already established nest, though.

[Morbid]

You might have already tried this, but I have read that studies show two things wasps hate above all else are neighbors of their own kind, and the smell of eucalyptus and peppermint oil (i.e. Vick's. VapoRub).   Therefore a fake wasp nest can be one method of discouraging them, especially if you fill it with Vick's.   It may not work on an already established nest, though.

I sprayed one of the nests in peppermint oil, which only served to pi** them off.  I have pushed them back from the house with the eucalyptus and peppermint plants.  But out in the yard, there's 7 separate nests - 2 hornets and 5 wasps.

I really hate to say it but at this point I've considered starting a forest fire.  But it might be time to call a professional.  I just really don't want to spend the money for that.

[Morbid]

I sprayed one of the nests in peppermint oil, which only served to pi** them off.  I have pushed them back from the house with the eucalyptus and peppermint plants.  But out in the yard, there's 7 separate nests - 2 hornets and 5 wasps.

I really hate to say it but at this point I've considered starting a forest fire.  But it might be time to call a professional.  I just really don't want to spend the money for that.

Just an update:  my grandmother gave me a small jar of what she calls "liquid death".  I was told to mix with a bit of water in a bucket (and some in a spray bottle).  Then doss the nests in mixture from the bucket.  The spray bottle is/was for if any come after me.  And as a result...  There's a lot of dead wasps.  So I might have to eat a little Yankee Crow Pie and beg for the recipe...

[TheGreenWizard]

Just an update:  my grandmother gave me a small jar of what she calls "liquid death".  I was told to mix with a bit of water in a bucket (and some in a spray bottle).  Then doss the nests in mixture from the bucket.  The spray bottle is/was for if any come after me.  And as a result...  There's a lot of dead wasps.  So I might have to eat a little Yankee Crow Pie and beg for the recipe...

Please tell me what that recipe is. Because I know I'll have to give it to my cousins come spring this year.

[Morbid]

Please tell me what that recipe is. Because I know I'll have to give it to my cousins come spring this year.

I don't know.  Haven't eaten any crow pie yet. 

[meno silencio]

So this year, our house has become a battle ground between me and the invading armies of a separate wasps and hornets (we have both).  I've tried a couple natural solutions - I've planted 14 different plants that supposedly ward off these vengeful creatures.  I've tried commercial grade pesticides - which only succeeded in killing some of my plants.  I've even tried to unleash a spider into the areas - only to find the spider swarmed.  Any suggestions?

I have a minor problem with wasps (very minor), but I always go out early in the year before the nests get big (I know where they are) and obliterate them. You might have to do this a few times a year, but as long as you get the nest when they're small the wasps don't attack (we're talking one or two wasps). They always come back, always build new nests, but I always destroy them. If I didn't we'd probably have six, or more nests.

This won't help you this year, but maybe next year. Make sure you note where the nests are and check there periodically for any new activity...

Hope this helps!

[Waldhexe]

  Any suggestions?

Are hornets an endagered species in the US?

In Germany they are protected and we're supposed to call a wildlife protection organization which will remove them savely. Is there any organization in your area that might help you?