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WHY HUNDREDS OF WASPS ON A TREE IN BRIDPORT?
Every year pest controllers get a certain number of callouts for wasps in trees. That was the case recently for Three Counties Pest Control. A man in Bridport said there were hundreds of wasps on a tree and in the grass in the front garden. This was next to a footpath, so he was concerned about passersby.
Before setting out, I asked if there was a nest or a flight path into some hole. He wasn't sure, so I decided I should check it out. It wasn't an exaggeration - there were hundreds of wasps in a pine tree and in the vegetation below. On inspection, there was no visible nest, or telltale flight path to and from a hidden nest.
WHAT WAS GOING ON ?
It is known that wasps predate aphids and trees such as willows and pines provide sap for the aphids, which secrete a honeydew which attracts wasps. No professional is going to douse a large tree and area with insecticide as the labels state explicitly: "Avoid release to the environment."
SO WHAT COULD BE DONE IN THIS SITUATION?
Not much more than to let nature take its course - it is a temporary problem. The wasps are busy feeding and will disperse. Some gardening experts advise hosing aphid infested trees with water, but if there are wasps present this can be dangerous as they can become agitated.
The customer mentioned they were planning to cut the tree back, so this would minimise the potential in the future.
THE BENEFITS OF WASP POTS
Wasp pots with attractant can help to reduce wasp numbers.
The Wasp Pot is designed to attract and trap wasps once filled with wasp attractant. They can be used in food storage and processing areas, on patios and around BBQ areas, beer gardens, and caravan sites. A narrow entrance prevents wasps from escaping once inside.
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