Question
We have bald faced wasps. I have identified them from pictures & websites. They seem beneficial so I don't want to kill them. I haven't seen their hive yet. But they are eating my deck, and I would like them to stop. Is there something I can spray or put on there to make it less tasty to them? I have attached a picture so you can see one and the wood. thank you

Answer
Jo,

The picture did not make it through. However, these particular wasps usually make an above ground nest, in contrast to a nest that is buried below ground, often concealed within the branches of a shrub. The nest is constructed of wood fiber mixed with saliva - making a kind of paper. This is why they are removing bits of wood from your deck. The only way to stop this is to paint or stain the deck. Either treatment will make the wood unpalatable. The simplest treatment would be a water-based stain.

Here's a link to generally what the nests look like http://www.livingwithbugs.com/yel_nest.html and how to control threatening nests.

I hope this is useful.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com