How To Avoid Yellow Jackets And Their Stings

Yellow jackets are certainly worthy of avoiding, as insect stings are the leading cause of death from venomous creatures. While they are not noted for being extremely aggressive, yellow jackets will sting people if they feel physically threatened. They will also fervently defend their nest if they think that it is being disturbed.

Yellow jackets have a smooth stinger and do not lose it when stinging an individual. This can result in an individual receiving multiple stings. It is important, for this reason, to avoid being stung by yellow jackets. Some people with extreme allergic reactions to the venom have become seriously ill even to the point of death. Most people who die from being stung were either stung numerous times at once or were quite allergic to the venom of stinging insects.

The presence of yellow jackets becomes much more noticeable during late summer and early fall. Defensive tactics will also become more aggressive as the colony increases in population. This is the result of food becoming scarcer as the colony grows with pupa maturing into adult wasps. By the end of summer, yellow jackets begin acting like scavengers, foraging for food items that are common to humans. They show up regularly at picnics and outdoor BBQ events. Garbage cans, outdoor dog dishes and trees with over ripe fruit are also great attractants to yellow jackets during the fall season.

Yellow jacket nests can be found underground as well as above ground in trees and shrubs. They can also build nests inside the walls and attics of houses and buildings. It is incumbent of homeowners to exercise caution while working outside during the summer and fall months. Yellow jackets often feel threatened when they recognize vibrations in or around their nest. These vibrations can be the result of lawn mowers, digging, raking or other outside activities. While yellow jackets can be beneficial in pollination and eliminating large numbers of other damaging insects, caution must be exercised to avoid disturbing them. It is recommended, in the event a yellow jacket nest is in a heavy traffic area, to utilize the services of a professional pest management company to remove the nest. DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE A YELLOW JACKET NEST ON YOUR OWN.

Homeowners should be mindful of the habits and foraging techniques of yellow jackets and reduce any attractions that would bring them onto the property. Overripe fruit should be collected and garbage cans emptied and cleaned regularly. Yellow jackets are attracted to sweets and sugary drinks. It is best to keep these foods and drink items inside or well covered during the peak season of yellow jacket activity. Once they find a desirable food source, yellow jackets will frequently return to that location long after the food has been removed. Following these suggestions and being respectful of the habits of yellow jackets will greatly help one to avoid being stung. If you have a nest that has become troublesome, or the yellow jacket activity has increased on your property, contact the experts here at Wil-Kil Pest Control. We know how to handle yellow jackets safely and we can help you take measures to keep them away for good.