#1: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 21:25:02 by Matthew Reed
Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
area while they are there. What to do?
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#2: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 21:30:10 by hob
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
> infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
> the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
> watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
> just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
> area while they are there. What to do?
try a yellowjacket trap - basically a bottle partially filled with colored
sugar water (I don't know if a one-way top that they sell at garden stores
is required)- yellowjackets go in, can't fly back out, drown.
(If you have a compost pile nearby, make sure the green is always on top of
the house stuff - garbage attracts yellowjackets. )
>
>
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#3: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 21:33:58 by Matthew Reed
PS - I hung out a couple of traps (Rescue! Yellowjacket trap) but they are
happily ignoring the traps :(
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
> infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
> the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
> watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
> just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
> area while they are there. What to do?
>
Report this message |
#4: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 22:29:01 by William Wagner
In article <Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com>,
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote:
> Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
> infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
> the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
> watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
> just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
> area while they are there. What to do?
Those yellow jackets are just trying to clean your garden. Here they
are no problem until a dry August occurs then they search for water.
They like sugar water aka soda and have been known to enter soda cans.
They like to spare with my hummers so I provide a yellow trap on
occasion too. Hummers are primary here.
I once weeded a jacket nest and was stung many times. If you see a
hole about the size of a US quarter and yellow jackets come and go mark
it and give ground. If possible but take it out if kids and others may
stumble on it.
Bill
--
S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.
Report this message |
#5: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 22:45:35 by Matthew Reed
> Those yellow jackets are just trying to clean your garden. Here they
> are no problem until a dry August occurs then they search for water.
> They like sugar water aka soda and have been known to enter soda cans.
> They like to spare with my hummers so I provide a yellow trap on
> occasion too. Hummers are primary here.
>
> I once weeded a jacket nest and was stung many times. If you see a
> hole about the size of a US quarter and yellow jackets come and go mark
> it and give ground. If possible but take it out if kids and others may
> stumble on it.
>
> Bill
Do they bother you when you working in the garden? I'm afraid to pull a
turnip for fear of there being a bee on it that does not take kindly to my
pulling it's food source out :)
We get some hornets here, but not very many and they are not very agressive
(unless you disturb their nest). But yellow jackets are *everywhere*.
I'm curious that they are ignoring the trap I put out. It came with some
"attractant", but I'm thinking they are not interested in that, they want
food, so maybe I need to put some meat or fruit in the trap?
Report this message |
#6: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 23:01:44 by JoeSpareBedroom
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:QKudnbkBC6ij2z3ZnZ2dnUVZ_r2dnZ2d@giganews.com...
>
>> Those yellow jackets are just trying to clean your garden. Here they
>> are no problem until a dry August occurs then they search for water.
>> They like sugar water aka soda and have been known to enter soda cans.
>> They like to spare with my hummers so I provide a yellow trap on
>> occasion too. Hummers are primary here.
>>
>> I once weeded a jacket nest and was stung many times. If you see a
>> hole about the size of a US quarter and yellow jackets come and go mark
>> it and give ground. If possible but take it out if kids and others may
>> stumble on it.
>>
>> Bill
>
> Do they bother you when you working in the garden? I'm afraid to pull a
> turnip for fear of there being a bee on it that does not take kindly to my
> pulling it's food source out :)
Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden, their
main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance person
changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder getting in
everyone's way. It's their office.
I've got a butterfly bush, which (obviously) attracts butterflies, but also
bees, some of which seem to be on steroids. They're huge. But, I give them
as much space as I would a person operating a miter saw, and I haven't been
bothered. They also hang out in the large flowers of eggplants, melons,
zucchini and other stuff. They may fly out & take a look at you, but you're
more likely to cut yourself on a piece of glass hiding in the soil, then be
bothered by them.
I suggest you grab a good book, set up a chair right alongside the garden,
and spend a few hours near them, watching what they do. I doubt they'll even
notice you.
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#7: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 23:17:58 by William Wagner
In article <QKudnbkBC6ij2z3ZnZ2dnUVZ_r2dnZ2d@giganews.com>,
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote:
>
> Do they bother you when you working in the garden? I'm afraid to pull a
> turnip for fear of there being a bee on it that does not take kindly to my
> pulling it's food source out :)
No, unless of course you squeeze it. RARE!
>
> We get some hornets here, but not very many and they are not very agressive
> (unless you disturb their nest). But yellow jackets are *everywhere*.
They like to eat meat luckily very small meat ;))
>
> I'm curious that they are ignoring the trap I put out. It came with some
> "attractant", but I'm thinking they are not interested in that, they want
> food, so maybe I need to put some meat or fruit in the trap?
In my yellow trap ( Color matters!!)_ I just put sugar water 1:4 .
Same as hummers NO COLOR dye stuff YUK . They (Jackets) can get in
easy but is difficult to get out and drown.
Now taking out a nest is another matter and I'd do it at night with a
simple toxin or water . A hose with water first choice. Pyrethrum my
second choice . Search 1600 X-clude.
http://www.google.com/search?q=1600%20X-clude
Spray cover with a rock or dirt. I use this in my home. Carefully.
Be also aware that Parkinson disease and insecticides are being
recognized as being related. Rotenone seemingly innocuous is not the
case. So if you spray do it with care and concern for you and yours and
even the other critters in your garden world.
Bill
--
S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.
Report this message |
#8: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-26 23:35:38 by Matthew Reed
> Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
> their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
> person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
> getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
<snip>
When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets. We have many "bees" around
here, and they are our friends. They don't bother us, we don't bother them.
Yellow jackets are another story. My sister-in-law is deathly allergic to
their stings, I'm not to crazy about them either, and I would happily kill
every one of them :P
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#9: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 03:20:50 by keith_nuttle
We had yellow jackets in the yard when the kids were small. Their nest
was underground about 8' from the house. I found it while mowing. As I
mowed I thought about the nest the kids and decided that I had to do
something. Gas. I dumped about a quart into the hole. Continued to mow
continued to thing about the nest and the little kids.
Second bright idea. I stopped the mower went into the garage and got a
news paper fashioned it into a long fuse and lighted it. I then went to
the nest and touched the fuse to the hole. Everyone watched in amazement
as flames shot out of several holes around the yard.
While it got rid of the yellow jackets, and no one was hurt. I have
often thought about the insurance claim if one of the holes had came out
closer to the house or there had been something more flammable near one
of the holes. Probably was not the best idea on retrospect
Matthew Reed wrote:
>>Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
>>their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
>>person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
>>getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
>
> <snip>
>
> When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets. We have many "bees" around
> here, and they are our friends. They don't bother us, we don't bother them.
> Yellow jackets are another story. My sister-in-law is deathly allergic to
> their stings, I'm not to crazy about them either, and I would happily kill
> every one of them :P
>
>
Report this message |
#10: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 05:14:58 by Matthew Reed
LOL I see a picture of a small mushroom cloud rising from the middle of your
yard :-). You were lucky the gas didn't make them mad enough to come out
and defend their nest. I can handle nests - but the nests aren't on my
property, they just like to forage in my garden for food. And at any given
time, there are maybe 10-15 in the garden. I'm guessing either a large
nest(s), or a lot small ones not far away.
And those worthless "traps" have sat in the garden all day, and the yellow
jackets just fly past them, completely ignoring them :(
"keith_nuttle" <keith_nuttle@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:SJ%ng.109305$H71.69863@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
> We had yellow jackets in the yard when the kids were small. Their nest
> was underground about 8' from the house. I found it while mowing. As I
> mowed I thought about the nest the kids and decided that I had to do
> something. Gas. I dumped about a quart into the hole. Continued to mow
> continued to thing about the nest and the little kids.
>
> Second bright idea. I stopped the mower went into the garage and got a
> news paper fashioned it into a long fuse and lighted it. I then went to
> the nest and touched the fuse to the hole. Everyone watched in amazement
> as flames shot out of several holes around the yard.
>
> While it got rid of the yellow jackets, and no one was hurt. I have often
> thought about the insurance claim if one of the holes had came out closer
> to the house or there had been something more flammable near one of the
> holes. Probably was not the best idea on retrospect
>
> Matthew Reed wrote:
>>>Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
>>>their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
>>>person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
>>>getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
>>
>> <snip>
>>
>> When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets. We have many "bees" around
>> here, and they are our friends. They don't bother us, we don't bother
>> them. Yellow jackets are another story. My sister-in-law is deathly
>> allergic to their stings, I'm not to crazy about them either, and I would
>> happily kill every one of them :P
Report this message |
#11: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 07:04:18 by JoeSpareBedroom
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:k-KdnWF4kZKYzz3ZnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...
>> Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
>> their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
>> person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
>> getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
> <snip>
>
> When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets.
How old are you?
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#12: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 17:31:59 by Tim Fischer
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
> infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
> the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
> watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
> just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
> area while they are there. What to do?
We had a yellow jacket ground nest in our small orchard in Oregon. The dogs
were being stung and avoiding the area but I didn't find the nest until the
day I stepped on it. I was swarmed immediately and hi-tailed it back to the
house swinging and swatting. Many, of course, got in with me and I even
found several inside my clothes. That night we dug out the nest and sprayed
it. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of them. Be careful in your
garden until you find the nest hole, then you can decide if you want to
tolerate their presence. I think they become more aggressive in fall, but we
and our neighbors were getting stung at any time in summer.
>
>
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#13: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 18:08:25 by Matthew Reed
"JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborealis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:m%2og.4445$Oh1.2483@news01.roc.ny...
> "Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
> news:k-KdnWF4kZKYzz3ZnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...
>>> Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
>>> their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
>>> person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
>>> getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
>> <snip>
>>
>> When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets.
>
> How old are you?
46
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#14: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 20:21:17 by Jo Ann
I have never had any luck with any type of yellow jacket trap. A few
might inadvertently find their way in, but nowhere near enough to make
a bit of difference to the number of yellow jackets abroad in my yard.
I also found the bait seemed to attract other unwelcome species, such
as bald faced hornets.
According to masterbeekeeper.com, the most effective way to deal with
them is by spraying an appropriate pesticide into the nest opening in
the evening (when most of them are home). They warn to dress
appropriately, secure sleeves and pants legs, establish "an
unobstructed escape route," and if light is needed, use one covered
with red cellophane so the yellow jackets cannot see it. They also
mention that 2-3 treatments will likely be needed; to avoid wearing
light colors, perfume, or cologne; and, due to the high risk of being
stung, "you may wish to seek professional help."
Jo Ann
Matthew Reed wrote:
> "JoeSpareBedroom" <dishborealis@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:m%2og.4445$Oh1.2483@news01.roc.ny...
> > "Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
> > news:k-KdnWF4kZKYzz3ZnZ2dnUVZ_oadnZ2d@giganews.com...
> >>> Matthew, bees do not eat turnips. When you see bees around the garden,
> >>> their main interest is the flowers. To them, you're like a maintenance
> >>> person changing fluorescent bulbs in a busy office, with your ladder
> >>> getting in everyone's way. It's their office.
> >> <snip>
> >>
> >> When I said "bee", I meant the yellow jackets.
> >
> > How old are you?
>
> 46
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#15: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 21:18:56 by Matthew Reed
Update: I conversed with Sterling International, Inc. about why their traps
were not catching any of these. I did a bit of research and took a close
look and I believe that these are paper wasps, not yellow jackets. I did not
understand what the different insects are called. These "paper wasps" are
very common here, I've lived with them for years and am somewhat familiar
with their behavior. I just didn't know they were called paper wasps. As for
the yellow jackets, I'm also familiar with them as well, but did not know
they were "yellow jackets". We have very few of these around here, which is
a good thing. Ahh..I have learned something today :)
So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them to
reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not seen
any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you approaching
their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action - they
built nests in the entrance to an apartment I once lived in. You could stop,
look up, and see an active nest 12 inches from your nose. They pretty much
ignored us.
Again, my concern is that they may take offense to my working in the garden
with them and disturbing their foraging. Plus my children play nearby. To
date there have been no stings, but I'm careful to avoid working in their
immediate vicinity. I notice they are not in the garden during early morning
or late evening hours, but prefer the warmth of day.
Oh, here are some pics - not very good, taking pictures of them was a bit
tricky, but this one is quite good:
http://zootal.no-ip.info/stuff/June%202006%20Paper%20Wasps/i mages/paperwasp2.jpg
This one is fuzzy, but it does show the legs hanging down, something that
yellow jackets do not have.
http://zootal.no-ip.info/stuff/June%202006%20Paper%20Wasps/i mages/DSCF3593.jpg
"Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
news:Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com...
> Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
> infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
> the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
> watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
> just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
> area while they are there. What to do?
>
Report this message |
#16: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 21:53:40 by limey
"keith_nuttle" <keith_nuttle@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:SJ%ng.109305$H71.69863@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
> We had yellow jackets in the yard when the kids were small. Their nest
> was underground about 8' from the house. I found it while mowing. As I
> mowed I thought about the nest the kids and decided that I had to do
> something. Gas. I dumped about a quart into the hole. Continued to mow
> continued to thing about the nest and the little kids.
At our former house we had a lot of yellow jackets. Our oldest son was/is
deathly allergic to their stings (we had a very close call) so my husband
was very vigilant. He would spot where the nest was in the ground, go back
at dusk when most of the pests had gone to bed for the night, poured
gasoline in the hole and set fire to it. All we had were one or two strays
the next morning who had been out gallivanting the night before.
(Fortunately, no house fires!).
Report this message |
#17: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 22:31:23 by MelKelly
OK I found a simple way to get those ground bees oe Yellow Jackets. Go
out late in the evening and put some Seven Dust in and around the hole.
They will be gone by morning. I have tried the gas and all the other
stuff that didn't work, then I asccidently tried the Seven dust and it
has worked for me everytime.
From Mel & Donnie in Bluebird Valley
http://community.webtv.net/MelKelly/TheKids
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#18: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 22:33:01 by George Shirley
limey wrote:
>
> "keith_nuttle" <keith_nuttle@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:SJ%ng.109305$H71.69863@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
>
>> We had yellow jackets in the yard when the kids were small. Their
>> nest was underground about 8' from the house. I found it while
>> mowing. As I mowed I thought about the nest the kids and decided that
>> I had to do something. Gas. I dumped about a quart into the hole.
>> Continued to mow continued to thing about the nest and the little kids.
>
>
> At our former house we had a lot of yellow jackets. Our oldest son
> was/is deathly allergic to their stings (we had a very close call) so my
> husband was very vigilant. He would spot where the nest was in the
> ground, go back at dusk when most of the pests had gone to bed for the
> night, poured gasoline in the hole and set fire to it. All we had were
> one or two strays the next morning who had been out gallivanting the
> night before. (Fortunately, no house fires!).
>
>
Everything you ever wanted to know about yellow jackets.
http://www.pestproducts.com/yellowjacket.htm
George
Report this message |
#19: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden What not to do
Posted on 2006-06-27 22:33:01 by Segovia
On Tue, 27 Jun 2006 01:20:50 GMT, keith_nuttle wrote:
> Probably was not the best idea on retrospect
LOL. It's also illegal and contaminates ground water... not to mention the
turf in that spot will die, and the soil will need to be dug out and
replaced if you want new seed to grow there.
Jeez man, what were you thinking!? :-P
I do hate Yellowjackets though. They're very aggressive. I've been stung
at least 500 times, in the last 20 years, by them.
--
Regards,
Segovia
Report this message |
#20: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-27 22:33:01 by Segovia
On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 17:17:58 -0400, William Wagner wrote:
>> Do they bother you when you working in the garden? I'm afraid to pull a
>> turnip for fear of there being a bee on it that does not take kindly to my
>> pulling it's food source out :)
>
> No, unless of course you squeeze it. RARE!
I've got to disagree with you here. If we were talking about honey bees or
bumble bees, I'd agree completely. They are very passive and rarely sting.
But yellow jacket wasps are an entirely different story, they're aggressive
as hell and will sting at the slightest provocation.
On the other hand, I think it's a little silly to fear them. The stings
are more surprising than they are painful. Of course, if a person is
allergic then he would be wise to keep a *very* healthy distance from them.
--
Regards,
Segovia
Report this message |
#21: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 00:29:01 by William Wagner
In article <ey47kq88mt40$.f4s3an7j6w4k.dlg@40tude.net>,
Segovia <incorrect@malformed.invalid> wrote:
> On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 17:17:58 -0400, William Wagner wrote:
>
> >> Do they bother you when you working in the garden? I'm afraid to pull a
> >> turnip for fear of there being a bee on it that does not take kindly to my
> >> pulling it's food source out :)
> >
> > No, unless of course you squeeze it. RARE!
>
> I've got to disagree with you here. If we were talking about honey bees or
> bumble bees, I'd agree completely. They are very passive and rarely sting.
> But yellow jacket wasps are an entirely different story, they're aggressive
> as hell and will sting at the slightest provocation.
>
> On the other hand, I think it's a little silly to fear them. The stings
> are more surprising than they are painful. Of course, if a person is
> allergic then he would be wise to keep a *very* healthy distance from them.
Please always disagree otherwise I'll be confined to my narrow world
view and ignorance.
I think Yellow Jackets lose their focus when water is rare and the
winter is coming. Otherwise charming to see them clean my plants.
Song Can't have one without the other.
Bill
--
S Jersey USA Zone 5 Shade
This article is posted under fair use rules in accordance with
Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, and is strictly for the educational
and informative purposes. This material is distributed without profit.
Report this message |
#22: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 01:29:05 by Carl 1 Lucky Texan
Matthew Reed wrote:
> Update: I conversed with Sterling International, Inc. about why their traps
> were not catching any of these. I did a bit of research and took a close
> look and I believe that these are paper wasps, not yellow jackets. I did not
> understand what the different insects are called. These "paper wasps" are
> very common here, I've lived with them for years and am somewhat familiar
> with their behavior. I just didn't know they were called paper wasps. As for
> the yellow jackets, I'm also familiar with them as well, but did not know
> they were "yellow jackets". We have very few of these around here, which is
> a good thing. Ahh..I have learned something today :)
>
> So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them to
> reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not seen
> any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you approaching
> their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action - they
> built nests in the entrance to an apartment I once lived in. You could stop,
> look up, and see an active nest 12 inches from your nose. They pretty much
> ignored us.
>
> Again, my concern is that they may take offense to my working in the garden
> with them and disturbing their foraging. Plus my children play nearby. To
> date there have been no stings, but I'm careful to avoid working in their
> immediate vicinity. I notice they are not in the garden during early morning
> or late evening hours, but prefer the warmth of day.
>
> Oh, here are some pics - not very good, taking pictures of them was a bit
> tricky, but this one is quite good:
>
> http://zootal.no-ip.info/stuff/June%202006%20Paper%20Wasps/i mages/paperwasp2.jpg
>
> This one is fuzzy, but it does show the legs hanging down, something that
> yellow jackets do not have.
>
> http://zootal.no-ip.info/stuff/June%202006%20Paper%20Wasps/i mages/DSCF3593.jpg
>
>
>
> "Matthew Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> wrote in message
> news:Ieydncvgg_bGrj3ZnZ2dnUVZ_rGdnZ2d@giganews.com...
>
>>Our adventures in Oregon gardening continues. Within the last week an
>>infestation of jellow jackets has developed in my garden, particularly in
>>the area where there are rows of turnips and mustard close together. I've
>>watched for a while, and there does not appear to be a nest nearby, they
>>just seem to like the area. There are so many I'm afraid to work in that
>>area while they are there. What to do?
>>
>
>
>
2 days ago I almost broached this subject of local mis-nomenclature. My
entire life we (my family and everyone I know native to this area) have
used the term yellowjacket for a yellow&black wasp that builds an open,
paper nest, usually between golfball and baseball size, with downward
facing cells, hanging from a 'stem' often under the eaves of
houses/buildings. We have a somewhat larger red wasp with a similar
habit. To my knowledge we have no social underground dwelling wasps. We
have some social bumble bees that CAN be agressive and will make nests
near the ground - under sheds, etc. And Cicada Killers that look very
scary but I have never known one to sting a human. We may have hornets
but I have also never seen a nest in suburbia. We also have plenty of
mud daubers. They are of less use to gardeners as they eat spiders.
Carl
1 Lucky Texan
--
to reply, change ( .not) to ( .net)
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#23: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 02:03:44 by Matthew Reed
>
> 2 days ago I almost broached this subject of local mis-nomenclature. My
> entire life we (my family and everyone I know native to this area) have
> used the term yellowjacket for a yellow&black wasp that builds an open,
> paper nest, usually between golfball and baseball size, with downward
> facing cells, hanging from a 'stem' often under the eaves of
> houses/buildings. We have a somewhat larger red wasp with a similar habit.
> To my knowledge we have no social underground dwelling wasps. We have some
> social bumble bees that CAN be agressive and will make nests near the
> ground - under sheds, etc. And Cicada Killers that look very scary but I
> have never known one to sting a human. We may have hornets but I have also
> never seen a nest in suburbia. We also have plenty of mud daubers. They
> are of less use to gardeners as they eat spiders.
>
> Carl
> 1 Lucky Texan
>
>
> --
Wasp, yellow jacket, hornet. I've always used them interchangeably, and in
ignorance. I'm still not sure what a hornet is.
The people at Sterling Int. identified my first pic as a paper wasp,
possibly European. So, that definitely explains why they are ignoring the
traps I set out - the lure they use is very specific to yellow jackets, and
does not work on paper wasps.
Report this message |
#24: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 03:46:41 by ladasky
Matthew Reed wrote:
> Update: I conversed with Sterling International, Inc. about why their traps
> were not catching any of these. I did a bit of research and took a close
> look and I believe that these are paper wasps, not yellow jackets.
Hi there!
I've been reading all the articles in this thread with the same idea in
my head. I am somewhat familiar with both yellowjackets and paper
wasps, and have confused the two at times. Yellowjackets nest in holes
in the ground, and are known to antagonize humans (especially when
we're carrying picnic lunches).
Paper wasps construct nests above the ground and often in pretty
exposed places, such as stuck under the eaves of a house. I get a new
paper-wasp nest on my house every few years or so. Paper wasps pretty
much ignore humans.
Now, gardeners, listen up -- both paper wasps and yellowjackets like to
eat insect pests. If you can live with them, they will provide you
with pest control service!
Like the original poster, I have seen large numbers of paper wasps
working my flower beds over the past two months. My nearby vegetables
are healthy. I think I'm doing the right thing by letting the wasps do
their job. I might have more problems with a nest of aggressive
yellowjackets, but the paper wasps can definitely stay.
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#25: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 04:32:59 by Lar
In article <QKudnbkBC6ij2z3ZnZ2dnUVZ_r2dnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
:) I'm curious that they are ignoring the trap I put out. It came with some
:) "attractant", but I'm thinking they are not interested in that, they want
:) food, so maybe I need to put some meat or fruit in the trap?
:)
:)
:)
This time of year they have a meat diet to feed their young. You might
try placing a piece of uncooked bologna or tuna fish in the trap and see
if it attracts them, though with them foraging around the garden for
caterpillars and spiders they shouldn't be a bother to you. Later in the
Summer when they change their diet to sugars, the juice and attractants
will work for bait.
--
Lar
Report this message |
#26: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 04:32:59 by Lar
In article <Q5adnS9vvanWGTzZnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
:) So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them to
:) reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not seen
:) any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you approaching
:) their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action - they
:)
:)
It looks to be a transplant called an Europeon Paper Wasp. They nest
usually in hollow or enclosed areas where our native species may be just
under the eaves of a house, so you may not find the nest. They should
be of no concern to you in the garden or kids playing unless you
accidentally sit or step on one bare footed.
--
Lar
Report this message |
#27: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 06:02:37 by Matthew Reed
"Lar" <larflu@comcastBUGS.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1f0ba65b58c0f9f99898f7@netnews.comcast.net...
> In article <Q5adnS9vvanWGTzZnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
> Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
> :) So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them
> to
> :) reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not
> seen
> :) any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you
> approaching
> :) their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action -
> they
> :)
> :)
> It looks to be a transplant called an Europeon Paper Wasp. They nest
> usually in hollow or enclosed areas where our native species may be just
> under the eaves of a house, so you may not find the nest. They should
> be of no concern to you in the garden or kids playing unless you
> accidentally sit or step on one bare footed.
> --
> Lar
That is what the guys at Sterling said they thought it might be. Those are
very common here, I've seen them build nests in the eaves and ignore humans.
Still, I'll destroy the nests if they build one on my house. Now that I'm
over my yellow jacket panic :-P I'll see how they tolerate me pulling up
turnips while they forage.
Report this message |
#28: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-28 15:45:25 by Jo Ann
I used to rent an older mobile home, which was apparently wasps' vision
of housing paradise. I talked with an exterminator and found there was
no way to get rid of them that didn't take out every bug in its path,
so I tried hard to adopt a live and let live attitude toward them (the
occasional Raid foray behind the shutters and around the door trim
notwithstanding). I chased down and evicted many who drifted inside
when the door was opened (I recommend a Mason jar to clap over them and
one of those subscription cards that fall out of magazines to cover the
mouth of the jar -- easy to slide under the jar while leaving the wasp
trapped and sturdy enough to hold up while you take the intruder back
outside). Even though they looked intimidating, they really were not
aggressive at all.
Every year they would build an elaborate hanging nest under the eaves
(an interesting process to observe, actually), and every spring they
would wake up w-a-y out in the woods, where I tossed the cone after I
plucked it off in the dead of winter.
FWIW, the only time I got stung was when I put on a sweatshirt fresh
from the clothesline without shaking it out first and interrupted the
wasp that was investigating the inside of the sleeve.
Jo Ann
Lar wrote:
> In article <Q5adnS9vvanWGTzZnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
> Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
> :) So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them to
> :) reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not seen
> :) any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you approaching
> :) their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action - they
> :)
> :)
> It looks to be a transplant called an Europeon Paper Wasp. They nest
> usually in hollow or enclosed areas where our native species may be just
> under the eaves of a house, so you may not find the nest. They should
> be of no concern to you in the garden or kids playing unless you
> accidentally sit or step on one bare footed.
> --
> Lar
Report this message |
#29: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-06-29 00:11:39 by Uncle Chuck
In my experience (same area as you), the traps won't make a bit of
difference. The whole philosophy behind insects is "Don't worry, we'll
make more".
If they like hanging out in your garden, it's probably because they're
getting some sort of protein they like- as in other insects, or small
seeds, like mature Shasta Daisy pods, or that roast beef sandwich you
left sitting out.
Unless you're allergic to their stings, your best strategy is live and
let live. Don't panic when they investigate you, keep food covered, and
try to enjoy the garden during times when they're less active. All
easier said than done, but it is a doable solution. If that isn't in
the cards, then your best bet is to use poison baits after mid-summer,
so that you can wipe the entire colony out.
The OSU extension web site restates most of what I've said on the
subject in this bulletin:
http://www.ent.orst.edu/urban/PDF%20Files/Yellowjacket_Bulle tin.pdf
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#30: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-07-05 19:39:29 by samoya22
I think Lar is right, paper wasps aren't terribly concerned with human
beings (child or female) unless you're spraying water on their nests
and being a nuissance.Here is a webpage about trapping wasps and how to
prevent a wasp infestation or at least keeping your yard clear of them:
http://www.getridofthings.com/getridofwasps.htm
It might help.
Sam
Lar wrote:
> In article <Q5adnS9vvanWGTzZnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
> Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
> :) So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap them to
> :) reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not seen
> :) any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you approaching
> :) their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive action - they
> :)
> :)
> It looks to be a transplant called an Europeon Paper Wasp. They nest
> usually in hollow or enclosed areas where our native species may be just
> under the eaves of a house, so you may not find the nest. They should
> be of no concern to you in the garden or kids playing unless you
> accidentally sit or step on one bare footed.
> --
> Lar
Report this message |
#31: Re: Yellow jackets in my garden
Posted on 2006-07-06 04:28:42 by Zootal
That is pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I don't want their nests
under my eaves, but they don't seem to be very aggressive at all. The yellow
jackets are evil, but the paper wasps don't seem to be bothered by us
humans.
<samoya22@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1152121169.679652.190880@v61g2000cwv.googlegroups.com...
>I think Lar is right, paper wasps aren't terribly concerned with human
> beings (child or female) unless you're spraying water on their nests
> and being a nuissance.Here is a webpage about trapping wasps and how to
> prevent a wasp infestation or at least keeping your yard clear of them:
> http://www.getridofthings.com/getridofwasps.htm
>
> It might help.
>
> Sam
>
> Lar wrote:
>> In article <Q5adnS9vvanWGTzZnZ2dnUVZ_uWdnZ2d@giganews.com>, "Matthew
>> Reed" <nospam at zootal dot com nospam> says...
>> :) So - any experience with paper wasps? Should I take steps to trap
>> them to
>> :) reduce the populations? I know where to look for nests, and have not
>> seen
>> :) any around my house or garden. I know that they tolerate you
>> approaching
>> :) their nests to about 1-2 feet before they will take defensive
>> action - they
>> :)
>> :)
>> It looks to be a transplant called an Europeon Paper Wasp. They nest
>> usually in hollow or enclosed areas where our native species may be just
>> under the eaves of a house, so you may not find the nest. They should
>> be of no concern to you in the garden or kids playing unless you
>> accidentally sit or step on one bare footed.
>> --
>> Lar
>
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