All About Yellow Jackets
Vespula sp.
General Information
Yellow jackets tend to be aggressive around their nests, which are often hidden underground and can’t be seen. Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, making them especially dangerous for people who are allergic. Here are some additional insights to help you prepare for and/or limit your exposure to yellow jackets.
- Yellow jackets are scavengers and are often encountered during cookouts or other outdoor activities.
- High numbers of yellow jackets can also be found near trash receptacles and dumpsters.
Size
Color
Bite or Sting
Wings
Commonly mistaken for
Additional details
- Queen yellow jackets build nests underground, in aerial paper nests, or in hollow openings in buildings, such as the insides of soffits or under siding.
- Yellow jackets are most often seen twice a year: in the spring, when the over-wintering queen emerges to start a new colony, and then again in late summer/early fall when colonies are reaching maturity and large numbers of workers are actively foraging.
- Yellow jackets are commonly considered one of the most dangerous stinging insects. Although they don’t go out of their way to bother humans, they are often unpredictable and will sting in order to defend their nest..
- Many people are stung when they step on hidden yellow jacket nests in the ground as they mow their lawn or perform other outdoor activities.
- These flying pests can sting many times and do not usually die after stinging.
- When a yellow jacket stings, it releases an “alarm pheromone” that excites nearby yellow jackets to also sting the victim.
- Some people can have severe allergic reactions to yellow jacket stings. These people should get immediate medical attention.
Yellow jackets can be a nuisance buzzing around your yard and home. Follow these tips to help get rid of yellow jackets:
- In the spring, place a trap along the perimeter of your yard to catch the queen and keep the new colony from forming.
- Restrict access into the home by closing doors and windows.
- Close all garbage containers and rinse out recyclable items before placing them in the bin.
- When eating outside, bring out the food just before you are ready to eat, cover up serving dishes during the meal, and put food back inside after eating.
- Always look for these stinging insects before drinking from open beverage containers outdoors.
Solutions for yellow jackets
Raid® Multi Insect Killer Odourless kills flying and crawling insects fast. The odourless formulation makes it suitable for use indoors, while still delivering effective insect control for a wide range of pest problems. Designed for everyday household use, this aerosol can be applied across multiple environments including living spaces, patios, and gardens, offering versatile protection against insects.
- Kills flying and crawling insects on contact
- Fast killing action, even with direct spray
- Odourless formula for indoor comfort
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- May be sprayed directly onto plants (with care)
Raid® Multi Insect Killer Odourless kills flying and crawling insects fast. Its odourless formulation makes it suitable for use in and around the home while delivering effective insect control. A dual-purpose aerosol designed to provide effective control across multiple pest types, offering a convenient single solution for indoor environments.
Highlights
- Fast killing action on contact
- Effective against flying and crawling insects
- Odourless formulation for indoor use
- Suitable for use in and around the home
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