Few insects will send homeowners and gardeners running like wasps will. Yellow jackets, in particular, are known for their aggressive nature that can turn an otherwise tranquil day out in the yard into a painful experience.
You need to watch out for these pests in late summer, as this is when they are most likely to cause problems.
Regardless of when you see a yellow jacket nest forming near your home or living areas, you should take the right steps to remove it. Otherwise, what starts as a minor nuisance can become a full-blown infestation later on.
As the population grows and the demand for food increases, these wasps will become more aggressive. So, you want to take care of it as soon as possible. The good news is that dealing with yellow jackets is a simple process that you may be able to take into your own hands or contact professional stinging insect control.
Yellow Jacket Overview
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp known for their aggressive behavior. Unlike bees, they can sting you as many times as they want. They are also social creatures who often attack in increasing numbers if their nest is disturbed. Needless to say, you really don’t want them near your home or any area you frequently visit.
The first step in treating a yellow jacket problem is becoming familiar with them. It’s important to know how to identify them, what their behavior patterns are like, and even understand their life cycle. All of this will help you properly approach and eliminate a problem with a reduced chance of being stung in the process.
Appearance
They’re often confused with bees, but yellow jackets have slimmer, wasp-like bodies with a bright black-and-yellow striped pattern.
Behavior
Yellow jackets are social wasps that live in large colonies, often numbering in the thousands. They’re highly protective of their nest and will swarm aggressively if threatened. Unlike honeybees, they can sting multiple times, making them especially dangerous. They’re most aggressive in the late summer and early fall when nest populations and demand for food are high.
Lifecycle
- Spring: Queens emerge from hibernation and start new nests.
- Summer: Colonies grow rapidly, with workers expanding the nest and foraging for food.
- Late Summer/Fall: Colonies reach peak size and aggression levels as food sources dwindle.
- Winter: Workers die off, and only fertilized queens survive to start fresh colonies the following year.
How Do Yellow Jackets Differ from Other Wasps
There are many species of wasps found in Maryland. Yellow jackets are often confused with paper wasps and hornets. Paper wasps are very similar to yellow jackets in color, but yellow jackets are slightly larger. Hornets are slightly darker in color and are bigger in size than either, and are actually rarer.
If you’re unsure which you’re dealing with, you can use the nest to help you identify them. Hornet nests are very large and round in shape. They’re typically found in trees. Paper wasps build smaller, umbrella-shaped nests. Yellow jackets like to conceal their nests, often building them underground or hidden in structures.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets
Now that you know a bit more about wasps, we can move on to removal methods. It’s important to remember that yellow jackets are very aggressive and can sting you when provoked.
Whether or not you should take matters into your own hands really does depend on the extent of the infestation and how comfortable you are with the potential of being stung. If you elect to proceed, you should know that there’s a chance they will attack you and anyone nearby when you attempt to eliminate a nest.
The first step in removal is finding the nest. In Maryland, they’re commonly found:
- Underground (abandoned rodent burrows, lawns, gardens)
- Wall voids and attics
- Shrubs or low-hanging trees
Once you’ve identified the nest’s location and the extent of the infestation, you need to consider your treatment methods. In any case, an insecticide will be used.
Which is best for your situation ultimately depends on the nest’s location and what you’re trying to achieve. It’s important to note that you should never seal off a nest without treatment. The wasps will find another way out, which can force them into your home.
DIY Control Methods
- Yellow Jacket Traps: Useful for reducing numbers, but won’t eliminate a nest.
- Aerosol Insecticides: Apply at night when wasps are less active. Always wear protective clothing.
- Dust Insecticides for Ground Nests: Applied directly to entrances, effective for underground colonies.
Nest Removal
After the colony has been exterminated, you will need to remove the nest. Even if yellow jackets don’t typically reuse abandoned nests, it’s not a risk worth taking. This can get tricky if the nest is large or in a hard-to-reach space, like inside your walls. Don’t simply seal off the nest as it’s likely to attract other pests, creating another problem down the road.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
Dealing with a yellow jacket nest is something DIYers can take on in minor cases. However, professionals are better equipped to handle extreme situations. Attempting to deal with an extensive yellow jacket infestation without the right equipment can be both dangerous and fail to deliver effective results.
You should contact a pest control expert if:
- The nest is in your home’s walls, attic, or other hard-to-reach areas
- You or a family member is allergic to stings
- The colony is unusually large or aggressive
- DIY methods have failed to reduce activity
Preventing Future Yellow Jacket Infestations
The best way to treat a yellow jacket problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Given that these wasps will inevitably build nests in undesirable locations, it’s not always possible to avoid them. Still, there are some steps you can take to help mitigate the chances.
- Seal entry points: Patch cracks and gaps in siding, windows, and eaves.
- Maintain your yard: Keep trash bins sealed, clean up food waste, and cover compost piles.
- Reduce attractants: Limit sugary drinks and protein-rich foods left outside.
- Inspect regularly: Check for early-stage nests in spring before colonies grow.
FAQs
When are yellow jackets most aggressive?
Yellow jackets become most aggressive in late summer to early fall, when the nest population is at its peak and the demand for food is high.
Can I remove a yellow jacket nest myself?
DIY methods are effective on small, easily-accessible nests. Professional help is advised for dealing with larger nests in hard-to-reach areas.
Are yellow jackets dangerous to pets?
Yes. Just like humans, animals can be allergic to stings, and yellow jackets will attack whatever is disturbing their nest.