help with few yellowjackets living in empty tube < CLisDaBest > 2015-09-18 16:39


Hi all.

I live in an apartment in a very small apt. building. Very well kept. I have a small balcony right off my living room (3rd floor level). I've a number of potted plants on the balcony floor and planters hanging on the railings. Never have had pest issues.

Suspended from one of the balcony railings is a tube shaped hanging bird feeder. The feeder is kept empty in the warmer months and I only fill it with seed in the Winter.

Just noticed that since yesterday (possibly sooner) some yellowjackets or hornets (shiny, black/yellow striped banding on their undersides, and their bodies come to a point by their tail ends) ...they have taken a liking to the feeder. Since last night and today, I've seen 4-6 of them hanging out along the top inside of the feeder. I see no other 'gunk' in the feeder...no evidence of a nest or anything. Just a few guys hanging out.

Course my fear is that they have plans to take up residence. Don't want to use chemicals...don't see need to call in professionals at this point. Should I gingerly carry the feeder down to the street level and give it a good shake and hopefully the yellowjackets will fly out of the feeder portals? Or should I leave it hanging on my balcony and give the feeder a bit of a whack right there?

What if I just lift off the roof of the feeder?...will they instinctively fly away? Do they only attack if there is an actual 'nest' they feel is being threatened, and/or they only attack when they are in large numbers? I've only ever seen 4-6 of them inside the feeder.

Any other ideas?