I've got a situation with a growing yellowjacket hive in my raised garden bed. I was okay with them at first, but they've become aggressive and I can't safely approach the box anymore. I've tried a few methods to get rid of them without using toxic chemicals: I sprayed the area with a mix of soap, water, and vinegar, which reduced their numbers temporarily, but they returned even stronger. I also set up a tangletrap-coated jug on a string to hit their nest from a distance, and it caught some, but they still came back. Most recently, I covered the corners of the garden box with tangletrap and stuffed it into their entrances, killing some more but still not solving the problem. What other non-toxic methods could I try? And what would happen if I tried digging up the nest at night when they might be dormant?
2 Answers
One time, I dealt with a yellowjacket nest by carefully pouring hot soapy water down the entrance at night. It worked really well since they were all inside. I can also suggest using a large bowl over the entrance to trap them. Just make sure it’s clear so they see sunlight and don’t freak out, or else they’ll attempt to dig out.
Boiling water can be effective! Pouring it directly into the nest at night when they’re all home has worked for me in the past. Just make sure to do it when it’s dark so they don’t fly out at you.
That bowl trick sounds interesting! I’ve also heard of just leaving a vacuum hose at the entrance, which could suck them up without too much hassle.