[goatslivestockdogs] Hornets:

[Guest guest]

I'm new to this list...referred by Suzanne Nottmeier...and probably would remain a lurker since herbal remedies is a new area of study for me.

But, hornets, bees and wasps...that's something I have a proven solution for, so may I offer what has worked for us?

A manual pump sprayer (usually about $35 at any farm supply store)...the kind that has an adjustable nozzle spray for fine mist (which we use when treating the entire goat herd for annual lice treatments) and a setting for a stronger, direct spray.

Plain water mixed with dish soap detergent (we mix about 1/2 cup detergent per gal. of water).

It is better to do this at night, when the the insects has returned to their nest (and are less likely to get riled). Direct the spray into their nest, saturating it.

The soap reduces the surface tension of the water and the insect becomes covered with the water, reducing their ability to fly and they literally 'drown'.

The ground nests are extremely dangerous, esp. during the day, since many of the hornets are 'out and about'...and while you may drown the ones in the nest, the others are not usually far away and may return to protect the nest and sting you.

 

This has been a terrible summer for us, with bees and wasps and hornets, and using soapy water has been the most wonderful discovery for ridding these pests.

Since this is a herbal remedy list, it would be nice to know if there is a antidote to these stings other than what we use...which is an antihistamine (like Benadryl). Bee stings can be fatal for goats, and I have been fortunate to have noticed each time one has been stung. The swelling begins immediately and a single capsule or tablet works wonders. This is what I also use for myself when I have been stung and no further treatment is needed. I would assume that this works for dogs also, but would be inclined to ask a vet first.

Hope this helps,

Mary

Angel Acreswww.angelacres.net

[Guest guest]

Golden Seal has been known to work -- sometimes it has to be worked into the

wound with a sterile needle.

 

Since the primary component of most insect stings is formic acid, anything

alkaline will work to at least some degree. That means even baking soda.

 

Thanks for the note on soapy water. Had forgotten about that. Best soaps

are Pine Tar, Dr. Bronners, or Miracle II. All of these biodegrade rapidly.

 

At 07:42 AM 10/5/01 -0400, you wrote:

>I'm new to this list...referred by Suzanne Nottmeier...and probably would

remain a lurker since herbal remedies is a new area of study for me.

>But, hornets, bees and wasps...that's something I have a proven solution

for, so may I offer what has worked for us?

>A manual pump sprayer (usually about $35 at any farm supply store)...the

kind that has an adjustable nozzle spray for fine mist (which we use when

treating the entire goat herd for annual lice treatments) and a setting for

a stronger, direct spray.

>Plain water mixed with dish soap detergent (we mix about 1/2 cup detergent

per gal. of water).

>It is better to do this at night, when the the insects has returned to

their nest (and are less likely to get riled). Direct the spray into their

nest, saturating it.

>The soap reduces the surface tension of the water and the insect becomes

covered with the water, reducing their ability to fly and they literally

'drown'.

>The ground nests are extremely dangerous, esp. during the day, since many

of the hornets are 'out and about'...and while you may drown the ones in the

nest, the others are not usually far away and may return to protect the nest

and sting you.

>

>This has been a terrible summer for us, with bees and wasps and hornets,

and using soapy water has been the most wonderful discovery for ridding

these pests.

>Since this is a herbal remedy list, it would be nice to know if there is a

antidote to these stings other than what we use...which is an antihistamine

(like Benadryl). Bee stings can be fatal for goats, and I have been

fortunate to have noticed each time one has been stung. The swelling begins

immediately and a single capsule or tablet works wonders. This is what I

also use for myself when I have been stung and no further treatment is

needed. I would assume that this works for dogs also, but would be

inclined to ask a vet first.

>Hope this helps,

>Mary

>Angel Acres

>www.angelacres.net

>

-- Michael Riversong **

Professional Harpist, Educator, and Writer **

RivEdu ** Phone: (307)635-0900 FAX (413)691-0399

http://home.earthlink.net/~mriversong