Aggressive, persistent, and prolific breeders, yellow jackets are a major concern for home and business owners. When yellow jackets and people meet, painful stings are all too frequently the result.
Yellow jackets are highly territorial. Unlike most bees, these wasps can deliver multiple stings. This becomes especially dangerous when other yellow jackets are in the vicinity, as they are likely to join in the attack.
People who suffer multiple stings may require immediate medical attention. The best protection against this is hiring a professional exterminator for yellow jacket wasp control.
Yellow jacket control involves destroying the insects' nest, a risky task for the average homeowner. However, a licensed exterminator has the skill, tools, and expertise needed to end an infestation.
Adult yellow jackets measure between 10 to 16 millimeters in length. The most frequently seen colony members are the workers, all of which are sterile females. Their bodies usually have alternating black and yellow stripes, though some individuals may have black and white coloration. Unlike bees with stout waists, yellow jackets have slender waists. Their wings are long, and like most insects, they have six legs.
Most yellow jackets prefer to nest at or below ground level, often choosing abandoned animal burrows. Other possible nesting sites include hollows beneath fallen trees or open areas under large stones. These underground nests are usually well-concealed, but the yellow jacket activity in the area is hard to ignore.
Some yellow jackets build suspended nests by chewing materials containing cellulose and mixing them with saliva to produce a paper-like material. These nests may be found on utility poles, in trees, or beneath building eaves.
Flowering trees and plants provide food for yellow jackets, as they are drawn to sweet substances. This attraction makes them common pests in orchards and fruit fields.
Yellow jackets are also known as "meat bees" due to their preference for protein-based foods. Colony workers collect protein for young members, often sourcing it from barbecues, picnic tables, or outdoor garbage cans.
Because people consume both protein and sugar, many human foods appeal to yellow jackets, including hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, condiments, salad dressings, fruit juices, sodas, ice cream, and pet food.
Generally, yellow jackets do not cause structural damage to buildings. However, if they build a nest in an attic or wall cavity, they may chew through drywall, allowing them to enter living spaces.
If an abandoned nest within a building begins to rot, it may lead to mold and mildew issues. The real problem with yellow jackets, however, is their aggressive behavior.
Highly territorial and pugnacious, yellow jackets are quick to sting in various situations. They are particularly aggressive around food sources, leading to frequent stings at picnics and barbecues. Simply swatting at a yellow jacket can provoke an attack.
Yellow jackets are notorious for flying into soda cans. An unsuspecting person taking a drink may be stung on the lips, mouth, or throat if the insect is accidentally swallowed.
Yellow jackets are also aggressive near their nests. People may inadvertently disturb nests while mowing the lawn or performing yard work, triggering attacks. Each yellow jacket can sting multiple times, and they release a pheromone that signals other colony members to join in.
While yellow jackets do not transmit diseases, they pose a serious health risk. Some people are allergic to wasp stings, and even those without allergies may suffer dangerous reactions when stung multiple times.
Some individuals experience short-term but intense reactions, while others develop significant tenderness, swelling, and itching. Severe reactions, especially after multiple stings, may be life-threatening. Wasp venom contains destructive enzymes that damage tissue, and the body's response can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to potential renal failure if untreated.
Signs of a yellow jacket infestation include:
While it may not always be possible to prevent a yellow jacket infestation, these tips can help reduce the risk:
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach to eradicate bees, wasps, and hornets from homes and businesses. Our methodology includes the most effective detection, prevention, and treatment strategies to ensure your property remains free of these pests.
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