Yellow Jackets

What Are Yellow Jacket?

Yellow jackets are aggressive, stinging wasps commonly found in late summer and early fall. Unlike honeybees, they can sting multiple times without losing their stinger. Yellow jackets build nests underground, in trees, or inside wall cavities, making them a dangerous nuisance near homes and businesses.

How to Identify Yellow jacket

Recognizing a yellow jacket infestation early can help prevent severe structural damage. Common signs of termite activity include:

Eastern Yellow Jacket

They prefer hidden, sheltered locations with easy food access.

Western Yellow Jacket

They scavenge for protein and sugary foods, making them common in urban settings.

German Yellow Jacket

They prefer enclosed spaces for protection and warmth.

Southern Yellow Jacket

They often take over abandoned nests and thrive in warm climates.

Why Are Yellow Jacket a Problem?

Yellow jackets are dangerous because they:

Deliver Multiple Stings, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and allergic reactions.
Are Highly Aggressive, especially when their nest is threatened.

Disrupt Outdoor Activities, making picnics, barbecues, and gardening hazardous.
Nest in Hidden Areas, sometimes invading walls and attics, requiring professional removal.

How to Prevent Yellow Jacket Infestations

Preventing a yellow jacket infestation starts with eliminating conducive conditions around your home:

Keep food and sugary drinks covered when outdoors.
Seal trash cans tightly and clean up spills immediately.
Remove fallen fruit from trees to reduce attraction.
Inspect your property regularly for early nest formation.
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or bright colors, which attract yellow jackets.

Yellow Jacket Treatment Options

If you suspect a yellow jacket problem, professional treatment is necessary to eliminate the colony effectively. Common yellow jacket control methods include:

Nest Removal: Must be done carefully, preferably at night when wasps are less active.
Wasp Sprays: Effective when applied directly to nests but should be used with caution.
Traps & Baits: Can reduce yellow jacket numbers but won’t eliminate nests.
Soap & Water Spray: A homemade mixture that can kill individual yellow jackets upon contact.

Professional Yellow Jacket Control

Due to their aggressive nature, yellow jackets should be handled by professionals. Pest control experts have the tools and safety equipment to remove nests without triggering swarms.

Contact a Yellow Jacket Specialist Today

If yellow jackets are becoming a problem around your home or business, contact a pest control expert to safely eliminate nests and prevent future infestations.