While North America is home to some 400 species of wasps, those living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey need contend with only four main types of wasps: yellow jackets, along with paper wasps, bald-faced hornet wasps, and cicada-killer wasps.
Unlike bees, yellow jackets do not pollinate flowers, though they do feed on destructive bugs like aphids, flies, and even caterpillars. As such, some organic farmers attempt to attract yellow jackets to their gardens in order to keep plant-eating bug infestations low.
Still, to think of wasps as useful creatures is a misguided attempt at finding usefulness in an insect that can be quite harmful.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp that are typically, though not always, recognizable by their yellow and black striped bodies. Yellow jacket wasps vary in size, shape, and coloring depending on the specific species. Most are black and yellow, though some can be red and yellow or black and white. Worker yellow jackets, which are those that are most often encountered, are about one-half inch in length.
WHERE DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LIVE?
Yellow jacket wasps typically build concealed nests, often underground. These nests might be located in rodent burrows, but can appear in any spot that is wide enough for the colony. Yellow jacket wasps also frequently construct nests in crawl spaces, attics, and wall interiors.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS EAT?
Yellow jackets feed off small insects as well as fruits and nectar. Additionally, yellow jacket wasps will feed on sweets and proteins such as meats and fish. Late in the season yellow jackets commonly scavenge human garbage, sodas, and picnics.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY YELLOW JACKET WASPS
Though yellow jacket wasps do not typically cause structural damage, they can damage siding, walls, and attics.
ARE YELLOW JACKET WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Yellow jackets tend to be both social and aggressive, living in colonies of several thousand. Yellow jackets will sting when provoked or if their home is threatened. Because most nests tend to be hidden, it is not uncommon for an individual to happen upon a yellow jacket nest by accident, igniting an incident with the colony.
Yellow jackets are among the more aggressive wasps, stinging and attacking at high rates, particularly if their nest is threatened.
DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Stings from yellow jackets are not known to carry disease, but they are painful. Those who are allergic to venom must seek medical attention immediately to avoid extreme swelling and shock that can lead to death. they are at best a nuisance and at worst a severe threat. Over half a million people are sent to emergency rooms with yellow jacket stings each year. Yellow jackets are extremely aggressive creatures and will sting repeatedly.
Those with allergies to the venom of a yellow jacket must be very careful when this type of wasp is spotted. One yellow jacket can sting repeatedly, which can prove to be fatal.
HOW TO DETECT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
Detecting yellow jackets can be challenging. The primary evidence of a yellow jacket infestation is sighting a wasp flying in and out of a hole within the structure. Other signs are football-shaped paper nests located in trees, under steps and decks, and hanging from ceilings. Yellow jacket wasps can also be detected by the sounds they make during nest building that may emit from walls and ceilings.
Still, the pest control company should do a thorough inspection of the premise to determine whether nests are located within the living space or in trees or other natural elements nearby.
HOW TO PREVENT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
While it is not always possible to prevent a yellow jacket infestation, here are some tips proven to help keep yellow jacket wasps at bay:
• Ensure siding and awning is properly sealed • Drain standing water • Repair dripping faucets • Keep home and yard clear of pests known to attract yellow jackets • Keep trash bins covered and tightly sealed • Keep pet food and other sources of protein indoors • Keep foods and drinks covered while outdoors
HOW WE TREAT FOR YELLOW JACKET WASPS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach for treating hornets and wasps that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps and hornets.
