Getting rid of Yellow Jackets?

[xxwaldoxx]

So about two weeks ago my girlfriend tells me that there is a bees nest near the steps leading to our house. I took a quick look for it one day and didn't come accross it. I just thought she might have been mistaken so I didn't give it any more thought.

Last week we were sitting out on the side yard together when I started to see about a dozen Yellow Jackets flying in and out of the Ivy near my front walkway (20 feet from where I was sitting). Lindsay (my GF) said that is the nest she was telling me about last week.

We have a housewarming party coming up on 9/22 and I am getting a little concerned about the nest. I've been reading up on Yellow Jackets and I wasn't aware that they are so aggressive. With the nest being next to my walk way I'm afraid that guests coming up to my house are going to aggravate them, not to mention kids playing in the yard.

So my question is, has anyone else had to get rid of a nest in the ground and how much trouble was it?

Ive been reading alot of different ways to handle it but like most things on the internet some people say "this way works the best" and others say they had no luck doing it that way.

I've gathered so far that I should kill them after dark on a cool night (I'm thinking Sunday as the low is supposed to be 46 degrees) but I'm not sure what method to go with.

The majority of articles/posts I've read say to either pour 10+ ounces of gasoline into the hole and cover it up. The idea is that the gas fumes are heavier than air and it suffocates the hive. Others say the best thing to do is use "Sevin" insecticide dust. What are your thoughts?

Also, I figure that if I am going to run the risk of being stung numerous times, I want to only take the risk once (I don't want to have to go back and re-apply something two or three times for it to fully take affect)

My first thought was to just pick up a couple cans of Wasp and Hornet spray/Foam but alot of people say that it doesn't work very well.

Anyone have some advice for me?

[JaKaAch]

I have always had good luck with the sprays. They Kick their ass quick.
Do you have a gardening center, landscaping supply place nearby? They will know what works best in your area..

Or you can try this.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OGhhF8D5OjQ

[Zoomschwortz]

I have used gas. It works.

I have used a propane torch when there wasn't a fire hazard. Just light the torch and have the flame go across the opening. This is done during the day. As the yellow jackets fly out to protect the nest the are turned into walks. They don't fly anymore.

I have also used the gas when there wasn't a fire hazard and after 15 -20 minutes I lit the gas.

Another thing that I have done when I couldn't get to the nest is tack a wad of cotton near the opening and spray it down with yellow jacket spray. Keep the cotton moist and anything that touches it going in or out dies.

[JaKaAch]

This is the stuff I'm talking about. Just spray into the hole. Safer than gas and torches. Kills fast.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4JB47

[Studebaker]

Years ago I poured gasoline down one nest. It worked pretty well.

[Darrell]

I am kind of crazy when it comes to getting rid of bee's and wasps and such. The last time I found a nest in my yard in the ground, I soaked a rag in gas, stuffed it in their hole and lit it, I waited about 5 mins and then buried the nest. I haven't seen them since.

I've also been known to make my own torches and just torch them off the walls of the house. Unorthidox, but it works.

[xxwaldoxx]

Thanks for the advice so far.

The fire methods would be a bad idea. The nest is in a bed of Ivy and if that caught fire it would take out a couple of trees and my neighbors garage.

I'll have to check out some of the insecticides. There is a small Mom and Pops hardware store near bye that may carry some as well as a Lowes a few miles down the road.

Grainger isn't far, I might be able to run up there and pick it up.

Keep the suggestions coming and Thanks again!
-Walt

[guy g]

A nest in the rafters, my grandpa would spray gasoline on it. That was before modern pesticides.Me, I had one underground, poured gas in it and lit it with a long BBq lighter.( I had been stung by one and was pi$$ed at the time) It worked! They were gone and I felt better.
added... a water hose will control any fire to the surrounding area.

[GKitty217]

Where pyromania is not safe (because I prefer to burn the lil buggers for my own personal satisfaction), I use the commercial sprays. It's like that game at the carnival and the prize is a pest free yard.

Curse your ivy for ruining the chance to play with fire.

Good luck!

[Mister Moo]

A cup or so of gas (poured safely from a gas can spout) down a hole does the job - there is ABSOLUTELY no need to ignite it - you'll burn your eyebrows off. Do it in the evening, after dark. End of story.

Plan B: back up plan, worst case scenario - ammonia soaked into a paper towel and placed directly on an insect sting takes away the pain in a minute or two AND prevents later swelling and itching. Quite the miracle, Bo Peep ammonia.

[RGD]

Actually a pyretherine based spray will be safer and more effective than gas. Depending on the type of yellow jacket, some are more aggressive than others so using a can based spray that shoots from a distance is a big plus. In addition to the spray having a quick take down - it will coat the opening/area for any stragglers, unlike gas which will evaporate.

So - one hour after sundown they should all be in the nest - stand back 6 to 7 feet (or further) and spray while walking forward. Spray the area and then zero in on the nest hole.

Have fun!

Ron
Ex-Orkin Service Manager
Northern Virginia
Termite Division

[uncballzer]

I've done the gasoline a number of times w/my father (used to cut grass for business). We'd also set it on fire too, but not necessary--just be sure to pour enough--probably 1/4 of a gallon or so. I'd do it tonight or tomorrow that way you'd have em gone before your house-party. Have fun (ps--wear long sleeves/pants to avoid getting stung--unlikely you will but bear on precautions).

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by RGD

Actually a pyretherine based spray will be safer and more effective than gas. Depending on the type of yellow jacket, some are more aggressive than others so using a can based spray that shoots from a distance is a big plus. In addition to the spray having a quick take down - it will coat the opening/area for any stragglers, unlike gas which will evaporate.

So - one hour after sundown they should all be in the nest - stand back 6 to 7 feet (or further) and spray while walking forward. Spray the area and then zero in on the nest hole.

Have fun!

Ron
Ex-Orkin Service Manager
Northern Virginia
Termite Division

Your credentials are impeccable and you are certainly correct (Oh Master of the Termite). I guess I just like the thrill of explosives and volatiles. If you could dynamite the little bastids that'd be my first choice.

[john51277]

Try a few cups of bleach, the vapors do the same as gas does but it will not kill the surrounding plants!!!

[txdyna65]

All good methods, but what we do is take a 5 gallon bucket, fill it 3/4 full with warm to hot water and add a couple of cups of liquid soap to it (dawn, palmolive). Pour it down the hole, end of story.

Just curious though, are you sure the nest is in the ground? All the yellow jackets around here build nests on the underside of eaves of houses and such places. I use the spray for that, it has long range