Yellow jackets can become a nuisance in late summer when they scavenge for food around yards. With a sting that packs a painful punch, keeping them away from your property is wise. This guide covers tips identifying yellow jackets, avoiding stings, DIY removal approaches, and when to call in a professional for nest treatment.
Two of the most common yellow jackets are the Western and Eastern varieties. Here’s how to identify them:
If you spot lots of yellow jackets buzzing around your property, read on for deterrents and removal approaches.
Yellow jacket stings are more than just a painful nuisance. Here are some concerns to be aware of:
Given these risks, controlling yellow jackets is important for a safe, comfortable yard.
The key is disrupting scavenging yellow jackets from finding food in your yard. Try these tactics and modifications:
These changes make a yard less inviting to foraging yellow jackets looking for carbohydrate sources. It won’t deter them completely, but helps reduce their numbers.
For non-professional yellow jacket control, a few options exist:
Traps – Hang yellow jacket traps like Rescue brand in trees/posts at least 20 feet from human spaces. Lure them in with attractants, then the one-way cones trap them inside to die.
Dust insecticides – Products like Sevin, Delta Dust or Drione can be lightly applied to the nest opening at night. The dust sticks to yellow jackets and poisons those inside the nest.
Aerosol sprays – Wasp & Hornet Killer aerosols can shoot a spray stream up to 20 feet. Hit nest openings for immediate knockdown, but avoid widespread spraying.
Soap and water – Spraying a forceful stream of soapy water into a ground nest opening can flood it and kill inhabitants. However, underground nests often have multiple exits, so this is hit or miss.
Other approaches – Petroleum jelly inside nest holes, vinegar traps or essential oil sprays may provide limited control. Results vary. Avoid gasoline or fires.
For amateur DIY yellow jacket control, traps and limited dust or spray treatments tend to work best when nests are in accessible spots. But caution is needed.
In many cases, the most effective solution is calling a licensed pest control professional. Reasons to consider pro nest removal:
For the most complete removal of yellow jacket nests on your property, calling in an expert is advisable.
Here are answers to some common questions about keeping yellow jackets away from your yard:
What scent deters yellow jackets? Strong fragrances like mint, clove or eucalyptus oils may help deter some foragers. Avoid heavily scented perfumes or lotions outside.
Do yellow jackets die in winter? Yes, all yellow jackets except new young queens die by winter. Only mated new queens overwinter in protected spots to restart colonies in spring. Removing nests now prevents repopulation next year.
What time of day are yellow jackets most active? Foraging yellow jackets look for food during daylight hours when temperatures are mild to warm. Nest pesticide treatments are often done at night when wasps are less active and inside the nest.
What plants repel yellow jackets? Some plants like hydrangeas, mint, lavender, citronella and wormwood may repel yellow jackets to a small degree by masking food odors in a yard. But removal of attractants is more effective.
Will yellow jackets attack if provoked? Yes, yellow jackets become very aggressive if their nest is disturbed or threatened. Batting at them increases stinging risk. Best to remain calm and move away slowly once detected.
How far do yellow jackets travel from their nest? Foraging worker yellow jackets may travel 100-200 yards from the central nest looking for food and water. Scouts look for new nest sites up to a mile away by midsummer.
Don’t wait until yellow jackets become firmly established around your property. Call the professionals at Texas Bug Control for proactive treatments:
For the most effective elimination of yellow jacket nests this season, schedule service online today.