Re: Conundrum

**M* H* <m*@carolina.rr.com>**

I’m not sure if we have the German yellowjackets in NC (yet?!). In the botanical garden I tend I’m fortunate to have an easy, non-toxic fix for our less aggressive species.  

If a nest is in out-of-the-way place where visitors won’t stumble into it I usually ignore it. If they are near a path or public area I bait the nest by tossing open packets of sauces from the local chicken fast food place or overripe fruits, etc near the opening. Nothing that would attract cats or dogs. The raccoons sniff out the good stuff and find a bonus bees’ nest!  They often go to great lengths digging out the nest, eating larvae and adults, leaving shreds of nest paper. It may take several applications to 'call' them in. (This is called a rebait…)  The raccoons often find them on their own, but this just speeds up the process. I’ve yet to find a raccoon with a swollen face bumbling around in the woods…..

It would be a hoot to have a motion sensor camera on it!

Meredith Hebden
Charlotte, NC
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Meredith Hebden Photography
Charlotte, NC
meredithhebden.com
mhebden@carolina.rr.com
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