Killing unwanted guest

[rlb9844]

I have recently descovered that my boat is the new home of some wasps and yellow jackets. I've heard horror stories of them waiting until your out in the middle of the lake to come out mad. I have a '78 Glastron V173 so there are alot of places for them to hide so I'm unsure about just going out there with a spray can of killer. I'm sure I'd miss some. So here was my idea, my boat stays covered so i was thinking of putting one of those bug bombs to get in every nook and cranny. Is this a good idea or will the pesticide mess up anything? (interior, gauges, fuel, cover) Thanks everyone.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I don't know if it would mess anything up but I think that might be what I'd do myself. Be sure to do it after dark. Put a couple of bombs in there because even though it's a relatively small area, those critters are pretty tough.

 

[V153]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I like the idea. Just make sure you hose the boat down real good afterward. Mebbe reapply what ever protectant (303) you're using on the vinyl after it dries?

Me I prefer to kill wasps the old fashioned way. Mano a mano, but from a safe distance. Gimme a can of the stuff that shoots 17ft & kills on contact and I can knock em outa the air.

Warning: Don't get in too close cuz of the danger of ricochet ...

 

[rlb9844]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I'm a pretty good shot with the can stuff too. BUT, with the design of my boat the only way to get them all is up close and personal. Of which I do not like. Those things hurt. Hosing down afterward is a good idea.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

The Mrs uses extra stength hair spray on them. Not an issue with smell or chemicals.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

Hey rlb,

I would go to a dollar store and get a cheap tarp. I wouldn't take the chance damaging a good boat cover. Tie the tarp securely, leaving only a corner unsecured to set off the foggers. Secure the corner as soon as you start the foggers.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

Not that I'd advocate using it in your case (I have no idea what it would do to vynil), but hands down the best bee/wasp/yellowjacket/ant/anything-that-crawls killer is plain old brake cleaner. Don't get the green can, environmentally friendly stuff, just the plain cheap stuff. Kills them on contact, and dries up completely when done.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I use a product called Bug Stop. You get it in gallon jugs at wall-mart and this stuff works great. I put it into a pump sprayer and have at them. It kills on contact and lasts for up to 6 mos. Useable indoors and outdoors.

Art

 

[partskenn]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I don't know if you have such days in Georgia, but I always wait till a nice 50 degree day to go ahunting. They move really slow when it is cold. I agree with the suggestion about brake cleen also. Wasp killer kills them, but they take a minute to die. Brakeclean kills instantly.

 

[mjgates]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I had the same issue this year. First nest I found was by luck asking a question on here about a bimini top and going out to take a pic to post. Took the cover off the top the bimini top, unrolled and found a wasps nest inside of it. I guess these guys can get anywhere. Killed them with can. Found the second one while crawling under cockpit the cover and getting stung in the top of the head. Allergic, so took a Epupin (sp?) shot and called it a day. I found 2 more nests doing a thorough inspection, then watched for any wasps flying in/out, or around the boat to see if they were coming/going to any one particular spot in the boat. Found 1 more nest under the driver dash this way. I don't see any more bees flying around the boat, so I'm pretty comfortable I got them all. I literally watched the boat for hours. I would think if there is a nest, you will see them flying in and out. Just my 2 cents. Not sure what a bomb would do to the interior.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I keep a can of carb cleaner on the boat at all times for wasps, yellow flies, any and all bugs and critters...kills them on contact!...The Walmart brand is great for $1.77/can....

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

Well, first you're going to need a solid alibi. Second you're going to need a gun or weapon of some form, preferably not registered in your name..... oh.... wait, we are talking about wasps? Ummm... nevermind all that, lol.
Bug bombs work wonders, Raid has some non-aresol gas bombs that are safe to use around sources of ignition and keep killing for 3 months. Also, some people put a little bit of soda & soap in a bucket so the so the suckers slide in for a drink of the sweet stuff and drown.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I'm with Knot Waiting, FINALLY someone with an idea of how to get rid of my exwife.....so disappointed...

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I've nuked them before, as suggested earlier, , prop up all compartments and leave the boat uncovered a bit so all of them find their way home, go back out around 10PM, toss in a couple bug bombs, cover the boat tight and go nightie-night as the killing commences.

The bad part about bees/wasps, once they have marked your boat, they will be back. I gutted my boat and found a HUGE 2'x3' wasp nest under the deck, I replaced the decks and scrubbed the heck out of the hull, but still see them buzzing around the boat every once in a while.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I should say that I have had wonderful luck with those flourescent yellow wasp traps from Lowes or HD, have to keep them clean and refreshing the attractant, the first year I had them I had to clean them weekly, first week I hung four of them, two in front yard and two in back yard and they all filled up within a couple days. I Filled up a five gallon bucket with water to kill the ones that were still alive just put the traps in there for a half day and then re hung them after cleaning and drying, since then I have noticed a pretty dramatic decrease in the yellow jackets but I still put them out.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I'm with Knot Waiting, FINALLY someone with an idea of how to get rid of my exwife.....so disappointed...

I soooooooo can't respond to that.......

Oh, go with the bombs. I've found they are small cans lately, not like I remember 20+ years ago... probably need the 3 pack.

 

[Bry1324]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

those dead gum bees, hornets, and dirt dobbers just love building nest in boats, and i have done this before, and it didnt mess anything up so you should be good to go my friend

 

[rlb9844]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

Thanks everyone. I like the carb or brake cleaner idea. Lipp, I did some looking and I can't find the "yellow wasp traps from Lowes or HD" can you help me out. I have wasps everywhere around my house and yard. My kids spaz every time one comes near and I don't want them stung.

 

[scoutboater]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

Hey guys, just a thought, but a guy that lives up the road from me has started building bat houses. Yes, you read that right. Bat houses. Like bird houses, but for.... well, you get it.

I haven't gotten my hands on one yet, but he says he put one up in his back yard, and once the bats found it (not long), he had a bug-free back yard. And if you don't think bugs are bad in Alabama, you're welcome to come join the feast :redface::facepalm:

 

[rickryder]

Re: Killing unwanted guest

I'm with the bug bomb idea! and brake clean/carb cleaner.....they all work well