Wasps in the Coop?

[wilbilt]

Do any of you have any problems with wasps nesting in your coops? Over the past several years, we have been having a huge problem with paper wasps building nests everywhere. They are the invasive European variety and are very aggressive. They have almost completely displaced the native wasps, which would generally build their nests in out of the way places.

The European wasps build in or on anything that hasn't moved in a day or two, from ground level on up. I normally avoid spraying poison around, but have made an exception for these wasps. I eliminate every nest I find. I would not spray in or around a coop, though. As I am building my coop, I am trying to make it "wasp proof".

It seems like the kind of structure they would like, though. They can get in through mesh as small as 1/4", so I may be wasting my time. Thoughts?

 

[darin367]

my chickens think wasp, yellow jackets, honey bees etc etc, basically anything with wings is some kind of special treat....

 

[wilbilt]

Good to know. I would not enjoy opening the nest box to gather eggs and receive multiple stings. If the birds will deal with them on the inside, I just need to figure out how to deal with them on the outside (nesting under the eaves, etc...) without using poison spray.

I haven't found an effective trap for paper wasps, but if anyone knows of one, I am all ears. They show no interest in the traps designed for Yellow Jackets or Hornets.

 

[centrarchid]

After dark when all wasps are on nest, I smash it with something like a shoe or rubber mallot.

 

[lesgo54]

spray the wasp with soapy water, they will fall down and then smash them.

 

[Frannabelle]

I also use dish soap & water in a spray bottle, works great. I use this method on all garden pests, it's especially effective on japanese beetles

 

[JenellYB]

Give that soapy water spray a power boost with a jigger of old fashioned 'mediciney' mouthwash..doesn't have to be brand name listerine, but that type. The alcohol in it cuts the protective waxy coating right off the insects, and the herbals leave a long lingering repellent fragrance. Great on gnats, too, they hate the smell.

 

[wilbilt]

Also good to know. Mouthwash is just about the only thing I haven't tried. The plain soapy water does seem to work provided the nest is small. I try to eliminate them before they get too large, but have dealt with nests the size of a melon occupied by hundreds of wasps.

 

[Frannabelle]

Vinegar in the soapy water works on slugs too, fries 'em right up

 

[JenellYB]

The "old way" I remember people dealing with them when I was a kid, don't think that had cans of wasp spray back them...wait till dark, and they are all on the nest...then wrap a bit of rag around a rake or broom stick, pour a little lighter fluid on it, light it, and sitck it right in there, coming from below the nest so as to have the flames licking up to get them before they could fly. Then run like heck in case any escaped.