Yellow Jacket Basics

Yellow jackets are social creatures, but not in the ‘Let’s have a BBQ’ kind of way. Although BBQs are definitely on their radar. Yellow jackets live in colonies. Their numbers can vary from a few up to thousands. Each colony is different. The colony queens are usually rugged enough to make it through the winter and start a colony in the spring, but this is not always the case. There are 16 known varieties of yellow jackets in the United States.

Regardless of their species, yellow jackets are highly aggressive and dangerous. They get their name from their bright yellow coloring and you can’t miss the bold color and patterns on their back. Like the paper wasp, they build their nest from cellulose. But unlike other wasp species, they will build nests almost anywhere, on the ground, in bushes, trees, or the eaves of your home.

There is no doubt that you will be able to recognize a yellow jacket when you see one… or two or maybe 50. Take care not to get too close to the nest, the last thing you want is to be perceived as a threat.

Dangers Of Yellow Jackets

When describing how dangerous yellow jackets can be, we would be remiss if we failed to mention that they usually do not attack unprovoked. You shouldn’t run and hide just because you see one yellow jacket buzzing around.

When they feel threatened, however, they will most definitely attack, injecting the venom repeatedly. This makes them a health concern for even those who aren’t allergic. People can easily develop hypersensitivity to this venom, making it even more dangerous if they are stung at at a later time. In addition to the danger, the stings are also very painful.

Calling In The Professionals

Because yellow jackets are so aggressive, especially when it comes to protecting their nest, it would be unwise to attempt a nest removal on your own. Having an entire colony come after you can be deadly. Call in the pros from Alliance Pest Services to do the job for you. We have been serving Monmouth County since 1983. We have all the proper equipment and training needed to safely handle the situation for you. Call for your free estimate today.

Yellow Jacket Prevention Tips

As we go about our lives each day, we do things that attract yellow jackets. It’s not something you think about unless you have had a problem with them in the past. Just giving the matter a little thought and being mindful of what you know attracts them will be a great benefit. To reduce your risk of encountering yellow jackets try implementing the following tips:

• Remove any food sources. Dispose of soda cans, leftover food, and dropped fruit from trees.

• Garbage cans without secure lids will be a draw, make sure to cover them and try to store them away from the house when possible.

• Check for sources of stagnant water. Removing these water sources will help with many insect issues.

• Grow plants that naturally repel the yellow jackets such as mint, thyme, or lemongrass.

• Keep hedges and trees trimmed.

• Sweet smells, both natural and unnatural attract yellow jackets. So your expensive perfume may be drawing the hornet to you.

Just knowing what will draw yellow jackets near will help you prevent a potentially painful sting.