[Market-farming] Yellow Jackets

Road's End Farm organic87 at frontiernet.net
Thu Jul 9 14:40:34 EDT 2009


On Jul 9, 2009, at 9:21 AM, Roots Farm & Karen Sutherland wrote:

> My house in S. Hadley, MA  has (judging by traffic) at least 2 large  
> yellow jacket nests concealed and protected under a metal  
> roof with only their access places visible.  I know yellow jackets are  
> helpful predators but the positions of these nests make getting in and  
> out of house and using deck dangerous -- especially come August/Sept.  
>  Does anyone have any recommendations for a least toxic way or pest  
> control folks in western MA that would use a least toxic means to  
> clear them out of the areas?

Can you wash them out of there with a strong stream from a garden hose?  
Or would the water get in and damage the house?

They don't seem to recognize this technique as an attack; and are in  
any case unable to fly well when soaking wet. You may have to do it  
several times before they give up; plus which, of course, some areas  
aren't suitable for being repeatedly drenched.

After you get the nest knocked loose, a little WD40 sprayed on the  
attachment area does seem to discourage them from reattaching.

-- Rivka; Finger Lakes NY, Zone 5 mostly
Fresh-market organic produce, small scale
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