Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Vancouver BC
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Re: Wasp in Mast/Sail
Use chrysanthemum oil as part of a wasp-repelling spray. Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which burns wasps on contact and drives them away. Cut up half a cup of hot peppers, then pour a pint of boiling water over the peppers. After they cool, discard them and pour the water into a spray bottle. Add 4 or 5 drops of chrysanthemum oil to the water. The combination of the chrysanthemum scent and the burn of capsaicin repels wasps. Spray down areas like patios every few days with the solution to keep them wasp-free.
The oil can be purchased at aromatherapy supply stores or natural food shops. Chrysanthemum blooms contain a compound called pyrethrum, a natural insecticide effective against wasps and other flying insects. Along with the scent of the flowers, the oil has traces of pyrethrum in it.
Maybe putting the solution on a rag and putting it under the sail cover might help for a longer period. I dont know if it would damage sails if it was to come in contact.