On 4 Aug 2003 at 9:41, Bob Harrison wrote:

> I use automotive starting spray to  knock down and kill the hornets as
> they
> attack.

   I think that is a faulty technique.

   I have (reluctantly) exterminated several hornet nests and never
been stung or even investigated while doing one (though I've been
inadvertantly stung by hornets when I did not know the nest was
there).

  The aerosol wasp and hornet sprays which you purchase at the
hardware, and I believe, auto starting fluid would be the same,
simply infuriate the hornets, because the odor announces to the
whole colony that they are under attack. Also I have seen them
knocked down and revive, only to attack with more deperation. I
would NEVER use either.

   I use warm water with several good squirts of dish detergent in it.
I use a hand sprayer (like the one cleansing solutions come in) and
spray the hornets as they come and go. If you hit them squarely,
they are dead, and they will not revive to come after you.
Furthermore the nest is not warned of your presence. I have stood
for an hour with my face 3 feet from the nest entrance without a
single hornet investigating me, while I eliminate them one by one.

  Another important thing is to stand still while doing this.
Movement attracts their attention. I wear a thin tulle veil for
maximum visibility and a long sleeve Dicky shirt. Neither have
been tested, though I'm sure the hornets could go thru the shirt if
they wanted.

   Once again I urge people to let them alone, rather than
exterminate them. Once you know the nest is there, give them a
little distance, avoid making heavy vibrations, or swatting them
when they are just looking around.

   And yes, anyone who has an allergy should carry an epi-pen,
*whether or not* one is aware of any nest. I've been stung while
driving down the road, working on a tractor, digging post holes,
chainsawing hollow logs for firewood, and just walking on the lawn
and stepping on a yellow jacket nest hole.

   Better yet, see a competent allergist and take the series of
treatments to get rid of the allergy. Why live in fear all the time?

   Unfortunately fear can breed panic, which is one's worst enemy
in dealing with stinging insects.

Dave Green    SC  USA
The Pollination Home Page:  http://pollinator.info  (mirror site
without gallery)

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