Florian HaasJul 29, 2024

Does anyone have tricks for repelling hornets from an apple tree?

I am not scared of the hornets; they're intimidating but quite peaceful. And they're protected, so insecticides would not be an option even if I wanted to use them (I absolutely do not). I also don't mind them devouring an apple or two, but they're like a plague o' locusts o'er the land. Netting isn't an option; the tree is too big and also moisture would get trapped and then I have a mildew problem.

Any other ideas?

#gardening

Show threadCubeletJul 29, 2024
@xahteiwi if you wanna spend a fairly large amount of time you could cover all the apples individually using those net bags people use for presents. Alternatively look up what other things hornets like to eat, and plant some of that around in your orchard so they'll go for their preferred foods instead. (Just spit balling. I am not an expert by any means)
Show threadFlorian HaasJul 29, 2024
@Cubelet Hmmm but are those fine meshes UV-stable? I'd rather not have less of a hornet problem at the price of having tiny plastic shreds all over my garden. 🤔
Show threadCubelet
@xahteiwi that is a fantastic question. I unfortunately have no idea. I just remember some fruit companies do that to keep pests away from their product (plus packaging is already taken care of that way too I guess)
Jul 29, 2024 at 5:36pmWeb