If you discover where the wasps are nesting, they are most vunerable after dark and in the early morning hours. They roost overnight and need to warm up before their intense daily activities begin. The best time to spray a nest site is when all the members have returned to roost, and especially early in the mornings before they've had a chance to warm up. I have several bird houses that must be cleared on occasion because of the aggressively territorial buggers. Raid Ant & Roach in the red can works well for this - once the wasps are cleared out, the house must be cleaned of residue before making it available to the birds again.
Bob Santangelo
Wheat Ridge
On Sunday, July 15, 2012 4:16:24 PM UTC-6, Kirk Huffstater wrote:
FYI......--
A wasp/hornet trap in the same vicinity might help greatly, and won't
interfere with the hummingbirds. Sometimes the traps work wonderfully,
other times not as much, but it might be worth a try.
Here are some DIY ideas for wasp traps, which I've also tried and had
success with; they're just as good as the ones you buy, or even better since
they're "free".
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Wasp-Trap
http://tipnut.com/wasp-trap/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR9QAoKF-mc
Kirk Huffstater
Castle Rock, CO
-----Original Message-----
From: Lin & Tim
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2012 3:47 PM
To: douglbirds@denveraudubon.org
Subject: [Douglbirds] Help! Wasp epidemic!
The past several days, wasps have taken over our Hummzinger Ultra
feeder--which has nectar guard tips! I have moved the feeder to three other
locations, and the wasps have found it every time--even though the feeder is
hanging in the shade. I tried not filing the base as much, and sprinkling
the feeder with the hose or wiping it off frequently. We have sprayed all
the cracks and crevices under our eaves (in case there's a nest we can't
see), but that hasn't worked, either. The wasps are attacking the hummers,
and driving the birds away. I don't want to risk having the little guys
stung. Should I discontinue feeding for a while, in hopes that the wasps
will lose interest? And if so, will my hummers come back or go elsewhere?
Any recommendations or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Linda Williams
Highlands Ranch
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