Not A Bug's Life...

[Nuts4Disney]

Not a Bug's Life Fan!

I originally posted this on the Community Board & those folks said there were some experts here who could probably help me out.

Now that the weather [is supposedly] getting warmer around here, those flying insects are starting to buzz around.

Anyone have any tips, strategies, etc...to keep them from building nests around the house, doors, windows & gutters...& esp. away from me? I've never been stung, but an allergist said I was allergic to bee stings. Plus, who wants to get stung?

I recently heard to plant Marigolds, Citronella, or Mint &/or to put out moth balls. What da ya think? Thanks.

BTW, tonight we're going to try to shoot down the wasp nests since it's cold today. But it's only a matter of time before they're back...so any tips/help would be appreciated.

 

[olena]

Happy Shootin'! I hate wasps and bees. I once had a bumblebee up my dress! Since then, I wish death on all things that sting.

 

[Snowwark]

Hi Nuts4Disney!

Here's a link to a hugely successful () thread I did, about how bee's "see". It might give you some ideas on garden plants that bee's don't find very alluring.

Bee Eyes

The following is a link on how to keep your outdoor areas as wasp and bee-free as possible.

Control of Wasps and Bees

I hope they help.

 

[Tulirose]

Originally posted by olena
Happy Shootin'! I hate wasps and bees. I once had a bumblebee up my dress! Since then, I wish death on all things that sting.

Oh MY Olena!!!

Did you get that wasp's nest, Nuts4Disney?

I don't have any magic answer for you except to just keep checking around the house for signs of them. We found their nests in the poles of our basketball hoop (had to duct tape opening closed after getting rid of them), in the attic vent and behind the shutters.

Vigilance and the wasp/yellowjacket spray are your best bets.

 

[Nuts4Disney]

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REPLIES!

Well, the "shooting" went well. We got many nests...they must've been busy in the few hot days we had. My bravery will dwindle as the days heat up & they become more active.

Tulirose -- My "stingers" seem to like to nest in the same place as yours...esp. behind the shutters, where I find the nests harder to access & behind the gutters. They esp. like the shutters & gutters right near my front & patio doors. They also love my BBQ...I always find them nesting in there.

Olena -- Oh how awful! I'd be upset too if that happened to me. I sure hope it wasn't one of "my" bees flying south, though I do wish they would fly south & just keep on going.

Snowwark -- Thank you very much for the links. I've read them both, bookmarked & printed them.

A local nursery said I could grow Citronella to discourage the bugs. Does anyone know if Citronella really works?

Thanks again for your replies.

 

[Snowwark]

Nuts4Disney, I found this little blurb on the Citronella plant, that I thought you might find interesting.

~ Mosquito plant — The citronella, or mosquito plant, is a scented geranium related to the common garden geranium. Some catalogs claim that if you grow it on your deck, it’ll repel mosquitos. Citronella plant does contain citronella oil, which is used in mosquito-repelling candles. It won’t hurt to have one on your patio, but no plant will keep the little buggers away just by growing in the garden. It only releases oils when its leaves are crushed. ~


Kim

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Thanks again, Kim!

Sounds like the Citronella plant will have to at least be pretty if it doesn't really repel the bugs. My nursery said not to start planting until Mother's Day, so I haven't seen it yet. I think I'll stick to Hostas, since I like them & the info you posted said they were a good idea.

Thanks again.