Wasp nests in the chicken run

[U_Stormcrow]

When I have had wasp nests I deal with them at night. That way they should all be home. I put a flash light shining on the nest but away from me. That way if any come out they will head toward the light not me.

^ this is the (better) way.

 

[user651618]

Why not just leave them and the next raccoon that wants to mess with the coop gets an nasty surprise. I used to drive a rusted out Bronco with a big wasp nest just behind the passenger side B pilllar. The truck smoked so bad that it calmed the beasts while I was driving. I just had to get in carefully. I called it my all natural anti theft device.

 

[Sally PB]

When I have had wasp nests I deal with them at night. That way they should all be home. I put a flash light shining on the nest but away from me. That way if any come out they will head toward the light not me.

I think I'll go out after lock up and see if there are any still around. Thanks for the info about the flashlight.

 

[3KillerBs]

Does anyone have other ideas on how to get rid of them in a chicken-safe manner? I'm going to tag a bunch of people for input. I can't be the only person with this problem. Thank you!

Glad you got info because I didn't have any advice.

 

[SmiYa0126]

But fun.

I said the same thing!

 

[Brooks_]

I said the same thing!

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Move chooks out to range.

Spray bottle with gasoline and douse it. Bonus if they are on stuff like metal frame that can't burn. Then you can do the "napalm in the morning smells like victory" thing.

Give it time to air and let the chooks come home.

 

[DLA]

View attachment 3591562
I found two of these inside the chicken run.

If they were outside, I'd spray them with Raid wasp/hornet killer. (And then skedaddle.) The bugs fall to the ground, twitch, and die. Sorry bugs, my house/shed/greenhouse, my rules. You're not welcome. You've stung me before.

I don't want the chickens to eat the wasps, and I doubt the spray that falls to the ground should be on their menu. Someone mentioned spraying the nest with a mixture of Dawn dish soap/water, a teaspoon soap to a cup of water. Would that be safe for chickens to eat, if they chose to?

Does anyone have other ideas on how to get rid of them in a chicken-safe manner? I'm going to tag a bunch of people for input. I can't be the only person with this problem. Thank you!

@aart @DobieLover @U_Stormcrow @sourland @Shadrach @3KillerBs @Perris

I just got rid of a wasp nest in my coop today. I use a homemade spray made of water, vinegar, neem oil, a few crushed up garlic cloves, eucalyptus oil. It stinks but not only does it work on a variety of insects, it's safe to spray around chickens. I use it on myself and it keeps ticks and mosquitoes away. Also works to keep people away cause like I mentioned - this spray stinks but it really works. I haven't had a tick on me or a mosquito bite since I started using it. It doesn't kill wasps or yellow jackets on contact but it does work pretty quickly.

 

[gimmie birdies]

Wasps try to establish nests inside the coop, but for some reason black widows over power them and they give up. I guess I am just lucky.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

I’d just build a new coop and run far away from there and just call it a loss.

I’m also deathly afraid of wasps so maybe a bit of an overreaction.