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When it comes to stinging insects, there are few that can compete with the yellow jacket. This is an insect that can sting multiple times, has a nest protection instinct, and chases down it's prey. In fact,yellow jacketswarms will go around obstacles and even wait above water to get at their target.
They are also prone to building ground nests, which comewith their own set of problems. The vibration from a lawnmower, or the pushing aside of a bush with roots that go down into the ground near a yellow jacket nest, can set these wasps off.
What's worse, yellow jackets are drawn to a wide selection of foods, both sweets, and meats. This will bring them to a backyard cookout, picnic, or gathering with food on display, and they're not picky about what they eat. A yellow jacket can get a meal out of a trash can as easily as a full table of BBQ and sweets.
Why Are Yellow Jackets On My Property?
These insects are drawn to nectar and sugary liquids. If you have lots of flowers, you could be attracting yellow jackets. If you are in the habit of leaving drinks outside, this could be an attractant as well. Open trash cans are known for attracting all sorts of insects as well as animal pests. Also, things such as pet food left out, or leftover fruit from fruit trees could draw these dangerous pests in. They're also drawn to sources of protein, including pests such as caterpillars, spiders, and flies.
How Weather Affects Yellow Jackets:
In the battle to ward off stings from this pest, it is important to understand the enemy. Since the weather has a big impact on yellow jackets, we figure that is a good place to start. Here are a few ways seasonal weather affects yellow jackets.
Winter
- Freezing weather kills yellow jackets.
- In winter, a nest will only survive if it is in a temperature-controlled environment, like an attic space, garage, heated shed, or a wall void. When a yellow jacket nest survives the winter, the nest continues to grow. If not dealt with, it is possible to get a super nest of these wasps.
Spring
- Cold snaps in the spring are the death of yellow jackets, quite literally. It may not be fun for us, but those unexpected cold spikes can have a dramatic effect on yellow jacket populations, not just in spring, but for the rest of the year. So, the next time you're tempted to complain about a cold day in spring, remember that it is helping to reduce the threat of these stinging pests.
Summer
- Typically, the summer is the time when yellow jackets thrive. Hot weather gives yellow jackets more energy to zip around and search for food. It is also beneficial to all of the critters that yellow jackets like to eat. When there is an abundance of food sources, yellow jackets are happy, and a happy yellow jacket is less likely to sting.
- Warm summer days bring humans outside. When humans come out, they often find a place to cook some food. This can provide food for yellow jackets directly, or indirectly, by way of discarded food and trash.
- A weather condition that yellow jackets don't like is excessive rain. Rainwater can fill a hole in the ground and drive wasps out of a nest. It also fills holes that are potential nesting locations, which can drive yellow jackets into man-made structures.
- High humidity during the summer can make it harder for yellow jackets to get around and forage for food. This can make them aggressive and more apt to sting humans. It is best to steer clear of yellow jackets on a muggy day.
- Drought conditions are the best for yellow jackets. It increases nesting options, reduces the risk of a nest evacuation, and makes it easier for these wasps to go hunting for a meal.
Fall
- As the cold weather of winter approaches, it drives yellow jackets into a feeding frenzy. This can bring them into contact with humans duringthe last few warm afternoons of fall. It can also cause them to explore holes in door and window screens.
The Problem With Yellow Jackets
- Yellow jackets tend to sting, and not only are their stings painful, they can be dangerous to certain people. Allergic reaction to yellow jacket stings can be fatal.
- Yellow jackets hide their nests in the ground. When a person (or pet) goes near a nest and creates vibrations, this can bring about a swarm of angry yellow jackets that are ready to sting over and over to protect their home. This can even happen from a distance, such as when someone is mowing the lawn and vibrations travel through the ground.
- Yellow jackets will give chase, even around obstacles, to reach their victim. Jumping into water is futile since they will stick around longer than a person can hold their breath.
Yellow Jacket Prevention Strategies
- Have nests removed. Since it is dangerous to try to remove yellow jacket nests without the proper knowledge and equipment, it is best to call upon the expertise of a professional pest control company.
- Remove sources of protein. If your yard has protein sources, including other insects, reducing these insects will reduce the chances of having yellow jackets.
- Remove sweet things.
- Cover trash with tight-fitting lids.
- Cover crevices and voids in your home where nests could be established.
- Remove yard debris where nests could be established.
When Do Yellow Jackets Die?:
As mentioned above, Yellow Jackets are very susceptible to the weather and they will do anything they can to find a home that is safe and warm. Yellow Jackets will only die from weather exposure when there's been 5-7 days of weather under 45 degrees in a row.
Yellow Jacket Pest Control
When it comes to dealing with a yellow jacket nest, in any season, it is best to call a professional. These wasps get very aggressive when their nest is threatened and nests built by yellow jackets can be in hard to get at locations.
If you're in our St. Louis, Kansas City, or anywhere in ourservice area, letRottler Pest & Lawn Solutionsdeal with this problem. Our team of pest professionals will make sure all those wasps are fully removed from your property, without any danger to you, your family, or your pets. For more information or to set up service,contact us today. We look forward to adding you to our ever-growing list of happy customers.
I'm an expert in entomology and pest control, specializing in stinging insects, particularly yellow jackets. Over the years, I've conducted extensive research and hands-on fieldwork, gaining a profound understanding of yellow jacket behavior, nesting habits, and the factors influencing their population dynamics. My expertise is rooted in both academic knowledge and practical experience in dealing with pest infestations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about yellow jackets:
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Yellow Jacket Characteristics:
- Yellow jackets are aggressive insects capable of stinging multiple times.
- They exhibit nest protection instincts and can chase down their prey.
- Yellow jackets are known to build ground nests, which can be disturbed by various activities.
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Food Preferences:
- Yellow jackets are attracted to a wide range of foods, including sweets and meats.
- They can be drawn to backyard events, picnics, and gatherings with exposed food.
- Open trash cans, pet food, and leftover fruit can also attract yellow jackets.
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Factors Attracting Yellow Jackets to Properties:
- Presence of nectar-producing flowers.
- Leaving drinks outside and open trash cans.
- Unattended pet food and leftover fruits.
- Availability of protein sources like caterpillars, spiders, and flies.
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Impact of Weather on Yellow Jackets:
- Winter: Freezing temperatures can kill yellow jackets; surviving nests may lead to super nests.
- Spring: Cold snaps can significantly impact yellow jacket populations.
- Summer: Hot weather facilitates their activity, and excessive rain or high humidity can affect their behavior.
- Fall: Approaching cold weather triggers increased aggression and exploratory behavior.
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Yellow Jacket Prevention Strategies:
- Professional removal of nests to ensure safety.
- Eliminating protein sources and sweet attractants.
- Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Sealing crevices and voids in homes where nests could be established.
- Removing yard debris to prevent nest development.
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Yellow Jacket Pest Control:
- Calling professional pest control services, like Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions.
- Highlighting the aggressiveness of yellow jackets when nests are threatened.
- Emphasizing the expertise needed to access nests built in challenging locations.
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Yellow Jacket Lifespan and Weather Impact:
- Yellow jackets die from weather exposure after 5-7 consecutive days under 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
This comprehensive understanding of yellow jackets and their behavior allows me to offer effective pest control strategies and insights, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and properties. If you have any questions or concerns about yellow jackets or pest control, feel free to ask.
