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How To Get Rid of Things: Forums » Pest Control

1. Christa (Member)

   I have a problem with a nest of yellow jackets.The nest is located 1 inch above the waterline in my koi pond.Due to the location I'm not able to use poisen since this would kill my koi.I have flooded the pond and at night have used a powerwash sprayer several times but the bees are back.I also poured a can of salt in the opening follow by powerspray with water. I have a person coming monthly for maintanance and I'm afraid she'll be stong.
   Any idea what I could do to eliminate the problem?

   Posted 3 months ago #

2. Christa (Member)

   I do need help! Thank you.

   Posted 3 months ago #

3. getagrip (Member)

   Here's two clever ideas. At least I think they're clever since I just thought of them.
   You know those yellow jacket traps you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe's? The kind where the bee flys in but can't fly out? Set one right at the entrance. The bait is just sugar.Ok clever idea two is..can you drain the pond to a temporary environment and get to the nest. Then clean out the pond and you're done.

   Posted 3 months ago #

4. Christa (Member)

   thank you,I have gone the trap route but no results.To drain the pond is not that easy.It takes hours and lots of money for the pond people to come out. I just had that service performed a month ago.We are also in a drought situation and water is scarce.
   Do you have any other thoughts on this?
   Thanks for you reply.

   Posted 3 months ago #

5. getagrip (Member)

   OK here's two more ..both of which must be done slowly and calmly and quietly as to not alarm the bees. Do you have a large shop-vac? I hope you do. Take off the top and remove the filter. You may want to put a "no pest strip" inside the container or not.
   Seal the top. Slowly position the canister close to the entrance and insert the hose nozzle in the opening ( be sure it will fit BEFORE you do this). Do not turn it on just leave it alone. You have created your own bee trap.
   Or you can just seal the opening..Yellow Jackets create a "labyrinth" that's a big word for "maze" underground with the queen at the lowest point. They will create another opening and hopefully the next one will be easier to get to. Remember..dealing with all bees to move slowly and calmly. Do not wear perfume. And good luck.This is all just advice so don't sue me if it dosen't work or if you get stung. My ex wife got everything anyway.

   Posted 3 months ago #

6. Christa (Member)

   Thank you much, I do not have a shop-vac but it sounds like sealing it might be a better way to try.I won't sue you.Sounds like you have been thru enough.
   What do you think I should use as a sealing agent?

   Posted 3 months ago #

7. Christa (Member)

   I have some insulating foam sealant called Great Stuff, do you think it might work? I'm willing to try anything. You are not kidding me are you?

   Posted 3 months ago #

8. getagrip (Member)

   If you just use the foam they may eat through it. They are in the wasp family and chew cellulose to make nests. I would use steel wool or Sakcrete (concrete)first and then use the foam. I just hope they don't open a new hole right next to the one you close.

   Posted 3 months ago #

9. Christa (Member)

   thank you,I'll try steel wool first will let you know.

   Posted 3 months ago #

10. Christa (Member)

    Hi, greta idea, the steel wool! I plugged 2 1/2 packages in as many openings in the stones as I could.The first morning hundreds came buzzing around but the next day only about 50 or so.Today,day 3 I have only seen 3!
    Thank you.

    Posted 3 months ago #

11. getagrip (Member)

    Glad we could help. Did you get stung? Don't forget to look for a new opening somewhere. Not to far from the one you closed. Remember even though these bees are scary and a pest they are benefecial and are killing insects for you for FREE!!

    Posted 3 months ago #

12. Christa (Member)

    I did not get stung,thank you and I'm checking for a new opening.Have not seen one as of today.Will keep you posted.

    Posted 3 months ago #

13. samoya22 (Jonathan)

    Nice work, getagrip. Keep us posted, Christa.

    Posted 3 months ago #

14. Christa (Member)

    Thanks for your help, you are awsome.As of today 7/17/08 I have not seen a single Yellow Jacket.The steelwool did the trick!Thanks again.
    Christa

    Posted 3 months ago #

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