wasps

mouseymousey99

Hi, I live in S.E and have seen dozen of wasps this year. Anyone else having a problem with them. I dug out this thread to have a read through and hopefully stop himself spraying numerous cans of stuff around.

katyk_2

HI all

Just posted a separate query as had not found this one. Think I have a bike in my compost bin which must have appeared in last few days. Can anyone please advise if it is safe to put these chemicals on a compost bin or does this render the compost unusable on soils afterwards?

Thanks
Katyk

PS Also - cannot actually see a bike - just assuming from very unfriendly welcome I had when I opened the bin, and also sheer number of them, that there must be one in there

Seakay

For bike read nest?

Some info on the wasps around at the moment:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6011705/Annual-wasp-invasion-hits-Britain.html

I've checked and I don't think that ant killer will affect your compost in that it will not damage the plants you put it on next year.
However, it is an unusual time of year for a nest to be built, so I would guess that you have something yummy in your compost that the wasps are enjoying.

Easy homemade wasp trap here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A225839

katyk_2

Thanks Seakay, I will try a couple of traps but the sheer number of wasps lends weight to the theory that it is a bike. There are literally dozens going in and out of a tiny 1/2 inch gap where the lid of the bin does not fit quite as it should. Granted there is some rotting fruit in the bin at present but no more than there frequently is and I have never had more than 3-4 wasps at any one time before.

onetomany

i got some of those candles to burn next week when we go camping, but says you carnt burn indoors does anyone no why sorry if this is a silly question

katyk_2

Right, have bought the ant powder but have read the back and remain unconvinced. Also bought wasp spray (standard type for room) but both are marked as environmentally unfriendly and note you need to ensure they get nowhere near fish, foodstuffs etc. Bound to get it into the general food chain if put on compost, surely?
Know this sounds pedantic but would still really love to find a 'greener' way - I know pouring boiling water over maggots is meant to do the trick but not sure I want to try this one on wasps. Especially not without an extendable five foot kettle...

Thanks for any suggestions
Katyk

Olliebeak

Try asking your local council Recycling Centre for advice or Environmental Health Department - they're usually responsible for pest control in the area.

Gigervamp

Just curious...why do you call it a bike?

Rowan9

Gigervamp wrote: »

Just curious...why do you call it a bike?

I've also always said wasps' bike. Scottish thing??
w

Gigervamp

Ah. I just had visions of wasps riding bikes! :rotfl: