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Wasps at base of sunflowers

  • 03-08-2008 11:46am
    #1
    KAGY
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭


    hi all,
    I noticed today that a few of my sunflowers have lots of wasps around the base. They are crawling down under the soil along the stems.
    do you think that they are feeding on something or are they building nests.There's bark mulch around the base if thats important.

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    KAGY
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,093 ✭✭✭KAGY


    follow up:
    seems that they are eating the base (don't know whether the damage was originally caused by them or not). I've tried putting sand around the base but they are just digging through it.

    So is there anything to discourage wasps (like pepper etc)

    Thanks


  • #3
    Sonnenblumen
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,834 ✭✭✭Sonnenblumen


    Most likely a hive, putting sand in will only be a temporary inconvenience for wasps. There are a number of soultions, including (best wait until dusk to make approach):
    - expose entrance to hive. Attach a firelighter to a long metal rod and light. This is very effective in burning hive content and smoke will distract/repel wasps returning to hive, allowing you valuable time to plunder hive. Use rake, hoe or spade to break up hive and all content. Best burnt and do not underestimate size of hives which are under soil, these can be very large, up to 500mm or more in diameter.
    - when you are satisfied that hive has been demolished, hose down area, any surviving grubs will be picked up by birds.
    - check area again each day for a couple of days, as wasps are very resilient and you will be amazed how much effort it takes to eradicate them.
    - alternative methods involve using special sprays for destroying nests but good access is a required for these to be effective.
    -there are also the smoking cyanide pills but AFAIK only available from rodent control specialists.

    Good luck.


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