Wasps!

[Altocumulus]

Does anyone have a deterrent option to stop the little darlings (!) building nests. Just removed one this afternoon that wasn't there first thing this morning. Had one a couple of weeks ago - and a whopper of 6 inches last year!

Have sprayed liberally with WD40 - but to no success....

[helicon]

One thing you can do is put up screening so the little buggers can't make it in to the obsy. I had a big problem when wasps kept showing up in the attic by coming in through the eaves under the roof. Other than that, consider the foaming wasp spray that shoots from long distance. It will cover the nest and get rid of the pests.

[sdbodin]

I keep them out of the inside with the stick type 'No Pest Strip' type of insecticide. I put one in at the start of Spring and change it out in July, then it is good for the rest of the year in my climate. However, they still try to build on the eves, but spray keeps them away.

[KathyNS]

You can get decoys that look like wasp nests. Since wasps are territorial, they won't build a new nest close to what they think is another nest.

[Altocumulus]

You can get decoys that look like wasp nests. Since wasps are territorial, they won't build a new nest close to what they think is another nest.

Interesting! I'll have look-see...Thank you...

[Altocumulus]

I keep them out of the inside with the stick type 'No Pest Strip' type of insecticide. I put one in at the start of Spring and change it out in July, then it is good for the rest of the year in my climate. However, they still try to build on the eves, but spray keeps them away.

I'l give that idea a go - so if I print out labels saying "No Pests Allowed" that will work ......

[Altocumulus]

That label didn't work - there was another one this morning!

[KingClinton]

See if you can get the council to declare your place a no fly zone.
That way they will have to walk everything in like ants, should keep em out.

[Pauls72]

After spraying the nest and killing them, if it is on the small side, I will just leave it there.

[Ozypic]

Yea I'm a WD40 guy myself . A good spray then squeal and skip and run away ... its a good adrenalin rush
Phill

[Altocumulus]

I did spray all the wood with WD40, but they ignored it!

[Altocumulus]

I'm going to put a mint plant in the box, and see how that works

Spearmint, peppermint, applemint .... mmmmmm!

[Altocumulus]

Mint did not work. Another little beastie trying its hand without planning permission, that's 4 this week.

This far I've 'just' removed nests and nest foundations, spraying WD40 around. Perhaps I ought to be more alert to the fact it could be one or two individuals and if I gave them a headache they may desist

[OzEclipse]

My friend Phil has had wasp infestations in his obsy mainly in summer. My 18" dob lives in one corner of the same obsy. He is severely allergic (anaphylaxis) to wasp bites so when they build nests, I put on a fine mesh top with integral mesh hood, rubber gloves, and go in and remove them. I go in at night when they are less active and when I usually visit the obsy, use the jet stream type spray, then take the next outside and crush the nest and spray again. It's usually a while before they start again.

[The Happy Parrot]

It may be that New England black wasps aren't as hardy as Scottish wasps but when I notice them building nests in my window shutters which they love, I simply make sure the paper like the nest is wet with water consistently for two or three days. Not a lot of water, just enough to soak the nest walls. Then I gently remove the nest. Best done during the evening early in the season and yes, I have had to run into the house once or twice (yellowjackets) but usually, they remain calm if you are calm. Just this week I removed two brand new nests:

wasp.jpg (25.92 KiB) Viewed 4544 times

Hope your nests aren't too big already.