Wasps

[BlueHawk]

Hi All

Anyone have problems with wasps, I seem to have a rake of them this year, and as soon as fresh meat is out, so are they? They don't seen to annoy the falcon, but I'm more worried he gets stung. Any thoughts??

Regards

Gareth

[Finnish]

I get this also but only in one aiviary don't no why tho.

[Ben C]

Sprout lost a hawk to a sting so be careful. :)

[IAmTheWeasel]

I had a local falconer to me lose his harris to ground dwelling bees last season.

[BrianM]

yes dont hunt wasps with your falcon ....lol. as far as i am aware wasps arnt attracted to meat , just sweet sugary liquids,, a good tip is to put out a half can of lager or cider and they will crawl into the can and drown ,,,,, i dont think that they will worry your bird

[Coedhirion]

I have never heard of a problem with wasps, but I know what they do to humans, so recon they could be a problem. Recon its worth finding out more and bee stings too!!
I know there is a nasty black midgy thing, called something like hypaboscus or how ever it is spelt!! It turns their blood to water and kills in about an hour. Its found in wet areas of GB and is minute. The only symptom is the bird drinking large quantities. It requires instant vet treatment and blood transfusion if the bird is to stand any chance :cry: :(

[Uncle_Thor]

a good tip is to put out a half can of lager or cider and they will crawl into the can and drown


Where do you live?
What time do you leave the cans out at?

[Uncle_Thor]

i believe fruit attracts them. Are there any fruit tree/bushes in your or neighbours gardens?

Steve

[BrianM]

PMSL

[Sparrie]

Wasps are attracted to meat and they do eat. I once saw a dead rabbit crawling with them. There must have been a hundred of them on it. That was in a public park where kids played aswell.

Gary

[Osiris]

I only seem to see the wasps come into the mews if i give the Harlan's some quail... But i stay there for a minute when i put the quail down and kill the wasps as they come in for invasion... :minigun:

But as Sparrie said they do eat the meat :roll:

[Shaun Byrne]

yes dont hunt wasps with your falcon ....lol. as far as i am aware wasps arnt attracted to meat , just sweet sugary liquids,, a good tip is to put out a half can of lager or cider and they will crawl into the can and drown ,,,,, i dont think that they will worry your bird

Wasps love meat. If you watch them for a while you will see them ct a big lump off and carry it off the the nest.

As Osiris says they seem to love quail so beware :shock: :D

[Ben C]

Cody left some scraps over the other day and I went and stood on a wasp that was eating the meat...........OUCH!!!

[Osiris]

oh wat a shame for the worker! :D

[SteveB]

I haven't seen too many wasps this year, but last summer was a nightmare !

I had wasps coming in through the window every time I opened it, so I made something to divert their attention.

All I did was get an old Jar with a screw top lid. Punched a hole in the lid about half a cm across (perfect wasp size) and then half filled the jar with some water, sugar, some honey a couple of ripe plums and a few drops of washing up liquid. Mix it all up and put the lid back on.

I put this in the sun in the corner of the garden, and within about an hour there were about 10 dead wasps in it.

Maybe you could try something like this which might divert them from the meat ?

[Osiris]

Cheers Steve, think i'll try that method. Beets me getting stung whenever i hit them for the kill :minigun:

[Mr_Colin]

yes dont hunt wasps with your falcon ....lol. as far as i am aware wasps arnt attracted to meat , just sweet sugary liquids,, a good tip is to put out a half can of lager or cider and they will crawl into the can and drown ,,,,, i dont think that they will worry your bird

You sure you would risk wasting the booze Brian :lol: :lol: unless you seive out the dead wasps and still drink it. :lol: :lol:

[Wightwings]

yes dont hunt wasps with your falcon ....lol. as far as i am aware wasps arnt attracted to meat , just sweet sugary liquids,, a good tip is to put out a half can of lager or cider and they will crawl into the can and drown ,,,,, i dont think that they will worry your bird

ye but make sure they have drowned BEFORE you take another swing.............blimey Brian a sweatty advocating leaving a tinny half empty........may the Scottish gods forgive ye.... :shock: :wink:

[Talon]

had a kestrel chick stung on side of its head when in nest box.
came up in large puss filled lump.
but kessie was ok after trip to vet.
wasps seem to love day old chick yolk.

[Wightwings]

yes they do must admit over the past couple of days i have seen the odd wasp buzzing about th food shelf in the aviary

[Ben C]

I have been using a tennis racket in the garden........the only way (and the funniest) of getting rid of em. :)