Problem with Yellow Jackets

[whatchadurian]

I wasn't sure where to put this thread so I hope this is it.

I have a ground dwelling nest of yellowjackets in my front yard. I didn't realize it until I picked up a piece of wood that had been the cover for their nest. They didn't like me very much and let me know it....multiple times! Youch!

So, I need to get rid of them but would like to find a non-toxic solution. Many, many people have told me to pour gasoline on the nest but as it is near both my wooden house and a wooden retaining wall...and we're in a drought with a burning ban...just didn't seem like a wise thing to do. I've tried the farmer's wives remedy of pouring boiling water on the nest at night when they are dormant but it really didn't seem to have much effect.

Any suggestions before I'm forced to call an exterminator?

[portiz]

This is the best for me. It's messy but it works. I got two dogs around that love to munch on the little critters...so the safest SUREST way to kill them is to fill up a glass with regular dish soap (about 2 TBL full) then the rest of the way with water. Just throw the water at them. I don't know if the soap suffocates them or what, but it works every time. If it's a large nest maybe use a bucket or several glasses of water.

Let me know how it goes!

[luckitri]

Find a store that sells very tiny bottles of beer (like 6 oz) preferably in sturdy glass containers with narrow openings. Invite a bunch of beer drinkers over and tell them to have at it. (Do this at night when the yellow jackets are trying to sleep - if your guests are rowdy and wake the yellow jackets it is just part of the message that their home is in the wrong location.) Save at least one bottle out so that when they have emptied the other bottles you can put some beer back in the bottom.

Place the bottles around the nest and surrounding area. The yellow jackets like the beer and will go in the bottle and drink it. Then they get so drunk that they cannot find their way up to the opening. They are so drunk that they fall down into the beer and drown.

I know alot of people are going to get mad for me writing this but when it is me against nature I am going to vote for me every time.

At any rate - enough of the yellow jackets will be caught that the nest will probably move and join with another nest or at least get the message and move on.

Whatever you do - you may have to do it a few times before they get the message but it will work.

[whatchadurian]

Portiz and Lucki....

Thank you for the tips. I might try a variation on a theme and use the boiling water but with soap in it.

I appreciate the beer tip and will try it if necessary. Since I don't drink beer and most of my friends are "winos"...might be tougher. I like the approach though. I'll let you know.

Unfortunately, I'm going to be away for awhile so may not get to try this right away. Does anyone know if the frost kills them or at least makes them hibernate?

Just curious.

I can always count on this board for great tips and help with interesting situations. Thanks!!!

[trinity082482]

I bought a product from OFF.. and its a "lantern" filled with syrup.. i think.. and they will eventually fly in and they cant get out.. sounds mean but it worked At first I was like what a waste of $ they aren't that stupid.. cause after 1 week there was none inside.. but It's been 3 months and the container is so full of Yellow jackets I need to get a new one. I hung it out side in my holly bush.

Pic of my Bee catching toy:

[portiz]

Thank you for the tips. I might try a variation on a theme and use the boiling water but with soap in it.

No need for the boiling water. I would only think you could possibly burn yourself, so why risk it?

[whatchadurian]

Trinity...I tried the same product but after a month there wasn't a single bee inside.

Portiz...I've already done the boiling water and didn't burn myself so I figure the double whammy couldn't hurt, eh?

Thank you all for the suggestions...I really appreciate it. I will keep you posted on my progress but as I have to travel this week, it may be awhile.

[trinity082482]

Trinity...I tried the same product but after a month there wasn't a single bee inside.

Are you kidding me? How odd

[whatchadurian]

Nope, no joke. And it was placed near the known, existing yellow jacket nest so go figure!