mud-dauber wasps

[Guest]

I keep my boat in a slip during the season. Mud dauber wasps are constantly building nests in the boat, amongst the folds of a life jacket, in folded sail, etc. Anyone have a way of keeping them away?

Thanks

steve parsons (saabdrver-at-aol.com)

[Roger]

I have heard of two ways of managing this problem. One was to place an open jug with a bit of bleach in the bottom, venting off. This aroma keeps them out of the inside. The other is to place sugar water on the pier, which diverts their attention. Both are impractical if you only visit your boat on the weekends or less often. Perhaps others have better suggestions. You might also try moth balls, but then that really stinks up the inside of your boat.