How to stay safe from yellowjackets (2024)

Late summer is the time of year when yellowjackets are most aggressive.Taking precautions at this time can help you avoid being stung.

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Here's a list of DOs and DON'Ts to keep you and your family safe fromyellowjackets:

DO…

Look before you sip your drink. Yellowjackets are attracted to sweet foods and drinks like soda and juices.
Cover trash containers and keep them away from eating areas. Yellowjackets forage in garbage for food scraps and drink containers.
Use a Yellowjacket Repellent GoClip®whenever you go outside, and especially when eating or drinking outdoors.
Wear heavy clothing when walking in wooded areas. Yellowjackets can sting through lightweight fabrics.
Use either our ReusableYellowjacket Trap or Disposable Yellowjacket Trapat least 20 feet away from your outdoor activity areas, to keep the yellowjackets away from where you are.
Try to remain calm in the presence of yellowjackets. Move slowly and deliberately and gently brush the yellowjacket away if it lands on you.
Call a professional pest control operator to remove a yellowjacket nest. This is a dangerous task for an amateur.

And here are the DON’Ts…

Don't swat at yellowjackets. They are more likely to attack and sting when aggravated.
Don't smash a yellowjacket. When crushed, they give off an alarm pheromone that can cause others in the area to attack.
Don't wear perfume, scented hairspray or lotion, or brightly colored clothes if you are going outdoors. Yellowjackets are attracted to these things.
Don't let children play in overgrown or wooded areas. These are prime nesting sites for yellowjackets.
Don't use gasoline to eliminate yellowjackets. Gasoline should never be poured into underground nest holes. (This should be common sense, but you'd be surprised how many YouTube videos show people trying to kill a nest this way!)