Apple Tree wasp problem

[Fender Stratoplaster]

Hello, we have an apple tree in our garden that should have been pruned and cut back but wasn't done properly and has led to an over abundance of apples that fall from the tree in our garden

I tried to pick up as many as I can and my misses is too lazy to help, so therefore we are besieged by tons of wasps who feed off the rotten apples on the ground and when I've tried to collect and get rid of them all I've ended up getting stung

Is there any way to deter the wasps from the area so I can get rid of all the apples and stop them from hanging around that spot?

Perhaps burning something or lighting candles etc.? Or would I have better luck going back to the area at night, early morning etc.?

 

[foxhole]

What’s the concern ?, left alone wasps are harmless.

 

[Fender Stratoplaster]

What’s the concern ?, left alone wasps are harmless.

Problem is a 3 year old...

And also I'd like to cut the lawn too at some point

Another concern would be that we have a garden cabin and a shed right next to it all, so I don't want hungry wasps looking for a B&B after they've had their fill

 

[Scally-Ho]

I'm not suggesting anything here, but I do know wasps absolutely hate white spirit.

 

[jj4091]

I'm not suggesting anything here, but I do know wasps absolutely hate white spirit.

Nor Jeyes fluid.

 

[Fender Stratoplaster]

As much as I dislike them, I won't be a wasp murderer - don't want their blood on my hands. Hoping for a peaceful resolution to this, was thinking just get rid of the food source and they will move on, but just need a clear area to do so without provoking any attacks

 

[Odds]

Find out where they nest and fog 'em: check under eaves or holes in brickwork; under slates on roofs or even look for a hole in the ground (where boiling water does the trick). Hunt 'em down and show no mercy.

 

[Why Not Indeed]

Use a long-handled spade to lift them in to a bucket. Tip bucket into green bin. You only need to do the job once, you will have time to collect any subsequent falling fruit before it rots and attracts pests.

 

[StephenStephen]

This is the time of year to thin the apples on the tree...

...which will lead to the tree dropping fewer apples.

"There should be no more than two fruits per cluster, and clusters should be at least 6 inches apart."
From Real English Fruit

 

[lostinthelight]

Hello, we have an apple tree in our garden that should have been pruned and cut back but wasn't done properly and has led to an over abundance of apples that fall from the tree in our garden

I tried to pick up as many as I can and my misses is too lazy to help, so therefore we are besieged by tons of wasps who feed off the rotten apples on the ground and when I've tried to collect and get rid of them all I've ended up getting stung

Is there any way to deter the wasps from the area so I can get rid of all the apples and stop them from hanging around that spot?

Perhaps burning something or lighting candles etc.? Or would I have better luck going back to the area at night, early morning etc.?

Rake apples up after dark when wasps not flying, wasps need their beauty sleep

 

[Koolpc]

Flame thrower will get rid of the wasps...

 

[mattylad]

late evening is the best time when they are more docile after a hard days work.
Also smoke, have a small bbq etc. and make it smoke more.

 

[accelerator]

Yes, rake the apples up at night when wasps should be inactive.

 

[Fender Stratoplaster]

Thanks all - I ended up waiting until it got dark and they all disappeared so I was able to rake the apples and dispose of without any blood shed or stings

 

[blup]

Hello, we have an apple tree in our garden that should have been pruned and cut back but wasn't done properly and has led to an over abundance of apples that fall from the tree in our garden

I tried to pick up as many as I can and my misses is too lazy to help, so therefore we are besieged by tons of wasps who feed off the rotten apples on the ground and when I've tried to collect and get rid of them all I've ended up getting stung

Is there any way to deter the wasps from the area so I can get rid of all the apples and stop them from hanging around that spot?

Perhaps burning something or lighting candles etc.? Or would I have better luck going back to the area at night, early morning etc.?

Can you find their nest nearby and smoke them out