[Arid_gardener] Re: Get rid of wasps nests in our yard naturally

[Olin Miller]

I don't believe you can get rid of the wasp completely, naturally or even
chemically, unless you saturate the are with insecticides like many condos
and retirement communities.  We lived at our previous home for about 25
years and had the wasps build their nests under the eaves of the new house
almost right away.  At first we tried the methods with sprays as recommended
in
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/t-tips/bugs/wasp.htm
This worked for awhile but eventually others came.  There are a lot of them
and they were here long before us and, like cockroaches, they will be here
long after we're gone.   They won't bother you unless their nests are
disturbed, then they will come after you.    Their sting is pretty hot for a
few minutes  then leaves a red welt which soon disappears - at least it did
for us but some people may have stronger allergies.  We eventually developed
a tolerance threshold somewhat above zero and now only remove the nests
after spraying and only in areas near human traffic areas.  I really would
not remove the nests with out first spraying, then clean and scrub the nest
area so it will take longer for others to return.  They also take up
residence in dense bushes.  There were a half dozen nests in a prostrate
rosemary with a 15 foot spread when I removed the plant.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dlob_17 at qwest.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Saturday, April 26, 2008 7:41 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


>
> 85053
> dlob_17 at qwest.net
>
> How can we get rid of wasps nests in our yard naturally?