Wasp infestation

[Don Shorts]

My O'Day 27 is moored in Southwest Florida. I do not get to sail it often but each time I get to the boat I find it has become infested with mud-dauber wasps - they have built mud nests everywhere in the interior and in the lazarettes. One time I grabbed the Gusher pump handle and a wasp at the same time..fun...Has anyone else experienced this infestation and found a solution?Don Shorts

 

[jimb23143]

I have the same problem in Illinois

This is what I did. I put one of those thick foam rubber pieces of insulation (1.5"X1.5")that you see used with room air conditions across the top on the inside of the companion way hatch with double stick mounting tape in such a manner that it meets the top hatch board and seals that gap. On my boat that is their primary access way. I also put a piece of foam in the anchor pipe opening. Then I hang one of those solid yellow no pest strips that you find at farm supply stores in the cabin. I also hang a no pest strip under the the sail cover to keep them out of there. This has been very effective for me. Hope this helps.Jim

 

[BILL ROBB]

YEP - Same problem

Yeah - I had the same problem on my O'DAY 30. If they want to "come aboard" there's really nothing you can do because no boat is sealed tight enough to prevent them from finding a little hole somewhere. It's pretty scary to be 12 feet up and with no place to go when they come rushing out at you! I had the boat moved to a different location in the boat-yard and that helped. I also sprayed wasp/hornet killer liberally around any "holes" where they might come in. Basically you want to make it more "convenient" for them to just go bother someone else's boat! Make sure you get all the "nests" out though. Bill on STARGAZER

 

[Craig Brown]

no wasps

I agree with "jimb" regarding the yellow pest strips. I have an O'Day 35 and always have at least one strip in the salon when we are not on board. I also do not seal the hatch beyond the factory configuration. I keep one strip in the lazeret also. In 17 years I have only had one nest. We never have spiders or insects of any kind. Now, the main cover is another matter!!