WASPS EVERYWHERE

[emckee]

I use a 13x13 wooden shed as a chicken coop, and this is the first summer we've been in it. I was NOT prepared for the bee/wasp/everything-with-a-stinger invasion we're experiencing (even though I swept out tons of old dry wasp nests to prep the coop, duh). I have no idea what I can do that's going to effectively kill the wasps and not be harmful to the chickens. I thought there might be some kind of fogger for them (like with spiders?) but I'd have to move all the chickens out for a day, and even then I wonder if that could be dangerous to them. If anyone has discovered any simple ways to keep bees out, I'd love some ideas, and also if anyone knows whether Raid-like products could be harmful to the birds or if the bees themselves could be harmful to the birds? Heck I don't know, they might even eat the bees. I just like to err on the side of caution.

 

[aart]

Not sure what to tell you but this search might help...start reading! Good Luck!!

Any kind of insecticide that is fogged into the air is going to be seriously detrimental to the chickens as they are rather sensitive to respiratory issues [another duh ;-)]...not sure about residue tho.

Edited to add....there's a plethora of info in the first 3-4 threads in that search, check it out!

 

[chfite]

Wasps - once they start to build the nest, burn it with a match. Leave burnt nest. They won't return to it this year.

Chris

 

[annewandering]

Isnt burning it with a match rather dangerous? Perhaps he can remove the nest then burn it and then return it to the spot. I would not risk burning something in the eaves myself.

 

[zazouse]

I have trouble with wood boaring bumblebees in my carport so i spray the wood down lightly with OFF mosquito repellent, they leave and don't see them come back till the next spring so maybe it would work for wasp.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Hairspray! Give them a good spray and they fall right to the ground, then you can step on them

 

[annewandering]

I think most any spray would work including water. It's a great idea to spray them. Going to keep my spray bottle handy this summer!

 

[CedarAcres]

I've been having a horrible wasp problem the last three years... they actually chase me away! The only thing we've found that works for us is to just keep destroying their nests, over & over, and eventually they give up. They usually try to come back after a few weeks though and we have to start the whole process over again. This year we tried one of the wasp traps we found at home depot, which is supposed to lure them away, & catch them in the trap.

 

[zazouse]

For some reason they are more aggressive this year, i had one land on my leg when i was squated down, i did not swat it " i have honey bees and knew better" hdarn thing stung me for no good reason before i could get him off me "
They also keep trying to get in my tractor while i was working, finely had to spray the tractor to get rid of them.

 

[annewandering]

For some reason they are more aggressive this year, i had one land on my leg when i was squated down, i did not swat it " i have honey bees and knew better" hdarn thing stung me for no good reason before i could get him off me "
They also keep trying to get in my tractor while i was working, finely had to spray the tractor to get rid of them.

We have had terrible problems with them. One year they attacked my granddaughter when she was about 2. Then they attacked her mom. I never saw anyone strip out of their clothes faster on a public street!
We read up on getting rid of them. It is dangerous to do anything to them in the day. They will attack you. Better to wait until at least dusk. We destroyed and sprayed every nest we could find. They nest anywhere. Under cars, in stumps, in eaves of houses, in behind mirrors in cars. You name it they will nest there. My husband has taken to spraying any wasps he sees with WD-40. Probably because he always has a can near at hand.