unfriendly critters in my sugarhouse.

[silveradomaple]

Went to my sugarhouse to get ready to install new arch, and found a couple wasp nests. Wondering if anyone knows of some way to eradicate them without using commercial hornet killer. I'm concerned that using them will leave the possibility of it leaching out into the steam next spring and possibly contaminating my syrup.

[Chicopee Sap Shack]

Torch then garden hose

[spencer11]

Just spray the nest with a hose until its completely destroyed if you don't want to use the wasp spray

[Starting Small]

I am actually a beekeeper and what will work well is soapy water. That is actually what they use in thee south to kill africanized honeybees. If you have a pump sprayer you can fill with soapy water, it damages their exoskeleton basically. Good luck,
-Dave

[Diesel Pro]

I use a product called Suspend SC from Bayer. It's a synthetic pyrethroid and is a residual type. I spray my buildings spring and fall. Takes care of flies, Japanese beetles, spiders, etc.

Safe to use inside or out you just don't want to spray while food products are exposed.

[maple maniac65]

pressure washer works well

[PerryFamily]

I know you said no chemicals, but I use regular house hold inside insect spray or "bomb"
Kills them dead. I have used it in ground nests and in my retaining wall.

[RileySugarbush]

I use a shop vac for yellow jackets. Turn it on, set the nozzle by the nest and walk away for a while. To be sure, you can give a little shot of spray at the end, but they are usually done in without it.

[lpakiz]

I also use a shop vac, with a 10 foot section of 1 inch PVC pipe for an extension. Hold the pipe by the entrance of the nest and dare them to come out. Very satisfying to hear each body slam into the 90 degree bend of the hose where it meets the top cover of the vac...

[cncaboose]

Most wasp sprays use allethrin or other synthetic pyrethrins for the insecticide because they have fast knockdown. Those compounds also have short duration of residues and should be long gone before you make syrup next year.

[TheMapleMoose]

Louisville slugger works too. If you don't have one of those just try your average stick or broom. Just don't forget to run immediately after application.:D