hornets nest in hen house

[ktsmom]

hello. I just recently got some ducks and chickens and finished building the last pen today. The chickens went outside to their pen, and we put them in there through the hen house (which the ducks also have access to through a little door from their pen). While in there, my daughter discovered a hornets nest (the round hanging kind of nest, I think belongs to hornets). How can I get rid of this nest without getting stung and without causing harm to the chickens and ducks that eat in this building, will be sleeping in this building, and basically will spend the night in this building? Will the chickens eat the bees and will the bees hurt them if they do? I have normally dealt with bees nests by either spraying them and then knocking them down, or if they are in an area where we won't bother them, I just wait until winter time and get rid of the nest at that time. I know I can not use insect spray around the birds, but I also do not wish to be stung by the bees. So far it is a rather small nest. (it was not even there a month ago when we installed "perches" for the chickens to roost on)

 

[dangerouschicken]

Is there an organic bee/hornet removal company in your area? Might be better left to professionals.....

 

[BJ]

since it is still small, can you knock it down at dusk? Maybe knock it into a bucket of water?? I don't think bees and hornets are active at night time. You'd better get it down sooner than later.

Geez...good luck!

 

[Eggseronious]

Get some hornet and wasp spray. Get the kind that sprays about 15-20 feet. Wait till dark and walk right up in the nest point it into the nest and spray it will kill them all. The reason to get the type that sprays 15-20 feet is the pressure it has. Dont just spray it a little bit, make it dripping wet.

Then knock it in a bucket and pick up all dead ones around so the chicks wont be pecking at them.

 

[silkiechicken]

How big is the nest? Could you put a black bag over the nest and knock it into the bag during the night and tie it off?

 

[zippychickens]

i agree with eggseronious. We always use the 15 ft. spray and do it at night. You'll never get stung that way.

 

[d.k]

* Did you know that you can use a cup of sudsy water to catch a wasp. Get it close enough under them and they usually drop right in the suds. Don't know if this will help, but I have used it numerous times to catch individual wasps that have gotten into the house and in the outdoors.

 

[ktsmom]

Thanks for all the advise! I told my husband about the nest today, and he took care of it...he removed it (in the middle of the day!) and didn't get stung. No more nest to worry about. Thank you all so much!!

 

[Darin115]

You need to find out what kind of hornets they are. Some of them fly at night. I found out the hard way one time.

Japanese Hornets fly at night and will sting you if you mess with their nest, even at night.

My experience was with some sort of black hornet. I sprayed the nest down and the ones that made it out hit me like a bullet in the pitch dark.


I worked a short stint at a local mill years ago. We found a hornets nest located just outside of the restroom window. In the summer we needed to open the window for cooler air. When we did the hornets would swarm and come inside. A lady that worked there called some old guy. She said he talks to bees. He pulled up and went into the restroom and closed the door. He was in there less than 15 minute. When he came out the bees were gone. Nest intact but the bess were nowhere to be found. He said they would not be back. He refused payment. He said he could not take money for just saying a few words.


Darin

 

[chickens4jojo]

I, too, have these big black wasps in my coop & one just stung me on my hand for going near the coop. It was really determined and mad!!

I am afraid to go in the coop now and get those eggs! I could see five from the door.

I think I will try the sudsy water first & then the 15 foot spray at night. Or.....maybe I'll let my very brave husband do that part!!?? I'm glad you posted on this subject. The advice sounds good.