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  • From: "breck" <bcarden AT breckinridgegroup.com>
  • To: "'Market Farming'" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Yellow Jackets
  • Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 23:34:48 -0400

They weren’t yellow jackets, but some kind of paper-nest type. When I was a child I saw Mr. Roberts (dad’s farm hand) reach up and grab (bare hands) a large nest of wasps and crush/rub them until they were all dead. That really impressed me. Mr. Roberts isn’t with us anymore so I guess you will have to try this method yourself. I would do it for you, but I am allergic to their stings (good excuse).

 

Breck

 


From: market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Road's End Farm
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 2:41 PM
To: Market Farming
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Yellow Jackets

 


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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