Yellowjackets and Wasps
About
Yellowjackets are medium-sized insects. A "worker" is about 1/2 an inch and a "queen" is about 3/4 of an inch long. They look very similar to bees, whoch are fuzzy and have yellow and blacks stripes. On the other hand, yellowjackets do not have hair, and they have bright yellow and black patterns. Yellowjackets and other wasps are known for their aggressive behavior. They can be very annoying when they are looking for food. They can become a problem if they sting. Their stings can be very painful and some people may be highly allergic to their venom.
You can often see yellowjackets around picnic benches and open trash cans in outdoor areas, like parks and schoolyards. They can also be found around homes, businesses, and places with food is being prepared or served outdoors. Yellowjackets are omnivores, meaning they can eat anything that is available like ripe fruit, pet food, dead animals, and garbage.
Why are they important?
Although yellowjackets do not transmit any diseases to humans, some people may be sensitive or highly allergic to their venom. Unlike bees, yellowjackets don't lose their stinger when they sting and can sting multiple times.
Yellowjackets can sting if they feel threatened and will aggressively defend their nest. One nest have have several thousands of yellowjackets, so stings can occur in multiples.
Services
We provide free yellowjacket and wasp control and nest removal for public areas only - like sidewalks, parks, or schools. For yellowjacket and wasp removal on private properties, please research and contact a pest control service of your choice.
REQUEST A yellowjacket nest removal
You can request free insect identification services, if you need assistance with identifying the type of wasp or other insects.
How can I keep yellowjackets away?
The best way to prevent yellowjacket stings is to stay away from them. Yellowjackets are more active from spring to early fall, especially when temperatures are high. If you see yellowjackets around an area, try to go around the place because their nest may be nearby. Pay attention when you are working and playing outdoors. Watch out for yellowjackets flying in and out of a ground hole or any other singular location. Do not disturb the nest.
When possible, remove yellowjacket attractants like:
- Food and cooking odors
- Outdoor barbecues
- Ripe fruit
- Sodas
- Open garbage containers
- Brightly colored clothing
- Perfumed materials
- Suntan lotion
- After-shave lotion
- Colognes
- Water sources
- Fish ponds
- Creeks
- Flowering plants
Usually when you see yellowjackets, they are searching for food. Once yellowjackets find a food source, they will continue to fly around the area even after it has been removed. It is important to stay calm when you see yellowjackets. Do not swat at them because that increases the risk of getting stung. Yellowjacket venom can produce intense pain, redness, swelling and damage in the sting area. If you are stung by a yellowjacket, it would be best to:
- Scrape the area with a straight-edged object as this would reduce the amount of venom entering your body.
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have an allergic reaction.
- Allergic persons should carry an EpiPen or another epinephrine-delivering device.
When you cannot remove yellowjacket attractants, use yellowjacket traps to reduce the number of yellowjackets. You can buy yellowjacket traps at any local hardware store or they may be purchased online. Hang the yellowjacket trap at the further point on your property, away from your house and where people will be. You can add meat such as cooked chicken to the trap to increase the effectiveness of the traps. If you do, replace the meat frequently because yellowjackets are not attracted to rotting meat. Remove trapped yellowjackets periodically to make sure yellowjackets are still attracted to the trap. Read the yellowjacket trap label for the recommendation for trap replacement.