I rather stupidly left some grapes on the vines, over the entrance to our covered terrace, simply because I couldn't easily reach them.
Of course the Hornets have recently found them, and we've been inundated by hundreds of the wretched things.
I always hang these simple traps for them; some beer, some jam, and maybe some wine, and they can't resist.
I had quickly filled the first two large jars with them, and this morning tipped the victims away. I refilled with beer and jam, and by about mid-day, I had already caught the dozens above.
I must have killed hundreds of them; more than usual. Their nest (I haven't found it yet) must be completely empty.
Even though I respect all 'wildlife', I don't regret my actions; but I do feel some guilt.
That is the method I would use. They look like what we call a German Wasp as opposed to an Asian or Paper Wasp.
ReplyDeleteWe have two types of Hornet; the 'ordinary' one, and the newcomer Asian Hornet. Both are deadly, and are increasing in numbers.
DeleteHow cool, calm and collected you are in the face of death threats buzzing in close vicinity - I know people (not least my mother) who go into fits of hysteria over as little as a wasp taking an interest in their coffee and cake on the patio.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, when I was a child the rule was something like one hornet can kill a baby, three an adult and five a horse. I never quite knew what to do with that info.
U
As with most things, as long as one doesn't panic, they take no notice of you. I don't fear them at all. Bok (the dog) tries occasionally to snap at them, which is worrying.
DeleteAt least they would have died happy.
ReplyDeleteThey are desperate to get in, then desperate to get out again. Drink and be happy.
DeleteWe resorted to these traps this summer for the wasps. Incredible the numbers we caught. Maybe next summer you'll be hornet free....or not.
ReplyDeleteWe noticed a difference in numbers buzzing around our outside dinners but there were always a couple to annoy.
I didn't feel sorry for them at all. Unfortunately we are not going to wipe out the species with these simple traps
I'd like to think that their numbers will be reduced for next year, but I think the Queens stay at home, then bury themselves in the ground over Winter. One would need to kill THEM to affect future populations.
DeleteThere are two choices with grapes. Spray with poisonous chemicals or put out traps. I buy my wine from a farmer who doesn't use chemicals. I don't want to get cancer. The EU have signed up to the use of glyphosate for another 5 years. Whether that has anything to do with the recent acquisition of the US giant Monsanto by the German (i.e. EU) giant Bayer is something that we should ponder on. These sorts of products destroy more insects than you can imagine, and not only wasps, and as I've seen for myself, through constant use adversly affect the quality of the loam or soil in which the vine grows.
ReplyDeleteI also buy my wine from a Bio producer. I'd thought that glyphosate had already been banned. Sounds like someone's been pulling strings. The use of such chemicals on the (now defunct) tobacco crops was slowly destroying the soil. It's fortuitous that no-one smokes anymore.
DeleteI always tell people who buy their wine direct from the producer, to look at the vines. If the ground has been poisoned all along the rows; go elsewhere.
DeleteYou called them to the honeypot and then killed them. If they invade you for no reason, fair game. Otherwise, we must learn to live with occasional troublesome creatures. Oh that I put into practice what I preach.
ReplyDeleteGlyphosate is alive and well in Australia, but it is under discussion.
I only get rid of them for the sake of others. People panic when they hear them; if they hear a hundred they almost wet themselves. Normally I'd cut down all the grapes, and leave them alone.
DeleteOk. I see below a comment from Chloe. She seems like a nice person, not.
DeleteThe worst hornet is a lone one in the house in the middle of winter crawling about on the bedroom floor in the semi-dark.
ReplyDeleteLady M is constantly shouting at me to "Come and kill this Hornet"; usually in the bedroom.
DeleteBetter method than using a pesticide.
ReplyDeleteI don't use chemicals here. I wouldn't say that I'm an 'organic' gardener; it's simply the way I was taught.
DeleteHornets are not a problem unless you kick the nest. They are far less aggressive/inquisitive than wasps. I have had hundreds flying about my workshop. They ignore me and I try to ignore them.
ReplyDeleteThat's my attitude exactly. I leave them alone (apart from the traps). I must have had 5 or 6 Wasp stings over the past few years; nasty evil buggers.
DeleteI was wondering why you felt the need to kill them in their hundreds with traps on fruit trees? Also, it is a myth about hornet stings killing horses. I have not been stung by a hornet, but it is supposed to be a bit more painful than a wasp.
DeleteTwo Hornet stings can kill you. I wonder if you're thinking of the same 'Hornet'?
DeleteRemember riding in Epping Forest, and a large hornet appeared, my horse panicked big time and bolted into a thicket of blackberries to get rid of it. Never forgot that hornet!
DeleteOpinion is divided. Luckily I don't have any - in fact even wasps have been few and far between this year - probably only seen a dozen or so. I am sure we should respecr both - but if I had a nest in my garden it would be a different story.
ReplyDeleteA wasp sting is unpleasant, but a Hornet sting is another matter altogether. I don't actually ever recall seeing Hornets in England.
DeleteI'm afraid that, despite not liking killing anything, wasps and hornets are an exception (despite the good they do).
ReplyDeleteHornets are nasty beasts. I usually remove all our grapes to the compost heap as soon as they ripen. I stupidly left some this year, and the beasts arrived inforce.
DeleteWe have had a lot of paper wasps in recent years. My grandson is very allergic. He carries an epipen. I kill them and destroy the nest if I can, without regret.
ReplyDeleteEven if not allergic, the sting can remain painful for a week or more. I was recently stung on my earlobe, and it was quite nasty.
DeleteWe usually have a live and let live policy with the creatures in our yard, but not wasps. I have to carry EPI pens because of them so they're on our kill on sight list.
ReplyDeleteOur problem is that the grapes that I stupidly left in situ, are right outside our front door. The buzzing of hundreds of Hornets has been quite off putting, so a trap was the only answer. I'm pleased to say that their numbers have already diminished to almost nil.
DeleteI can't blame you, the sound alone would be hard to deal with, much less the fear of going outside and being attacked. I have some grapes on the fence that attract birds mostly, and some spiders. Nothing as bad as your problem.
ReplyDeleteNo children here at the moment, but we always worry for them too.
DeleteIn Germany, killing so many hornets or destroying their nest could cost you up to 50 000 €.
ReplyDeleteHere in France we are encouraged to get rid of them. Maybe we could send them all to Germany if you're so keen on them!
DeleteI guiltily like this too... I may have to try this next year as I planted grapes by my front door.
ReplyDeleteHornets are nasty buggers. You seemed to have created the perfect elixir. It looks like they couldn't get enough.
ReplyDelete