Yellowjackets

Yellowjacket

What do yellowjackets look like?

Yellowjackets are very similar in appearance to their close relatives the hornets. . Yellowjackets have a smaller vertex (top margin of the head) and a more narrow abdomen section just behind the waist than the hornet. In North America yellowjackets is the common name for predatory social wasps in the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. In other English-speaking countries, these genera are just called “wasps”. Most yellowjackets reach a length of about 1/2 inch while the female can reach 3/4 of an inch in length. Workers are sometimes mistaken for bees but yellowjackets do not have hair on their bodies and do not carry pollen. They also do not have flattened hairy legs to carry pollen. 

Having trouble with yellowjackets?

Are yellowjackets dangerous?

Yellowjackets are territorial and will sting humans if they feel threatened. Yellowjackets can sting repeatedly unlike bees that have a barb on their stinger which pulls out and stays in the skin.  Over 500,000 people are sent to the emergency room every year because they were stung by yellowjackets and other stinging insects. 

While most people will only suffer a little pain for a short time when stung, someone with allergic reactions could become very sick and even die if not treated quickly. If you know you are allergic to wasp/hornet/yellowjacket stings please call a professional to deal with them. If you are stung by a hornet and notice any of the following symptoms see a doctor immediately: 

  • Red and itchy rash that spreads beyond the area where stung
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness, shock
  • Rapid pulse and arrhythmia

Yellowjackets habitat.

Yellowjackets like to build their paper nets underground or in dark open spaces like eaves or attics. Anywhere humans are you will find yellowjackets. They can be found in urban and rural environments. Yellowjacket colonies can grow to over 4,000 workers. They are most active in late summer and early autumn. This is when their colony reaches peak numbers. 

How do I get rid of yellow jackets?

What Walker Pest Management does

Prevention is the key to avoiding a yellow jacket problem. Walker Pest Management’s professional pest control technicians have been trained to identify and eliminate yellow jackets as well as other common household pests through our year-round Preferred Care Pest Control program. We actually include yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps within 10 ft of the home and up to 20 ft off the ground in our Preferred Care Pest Control Program. Even if it’s between regular service times we will come back out at no charge to deal with them.

Dealing with aggressive yellow jackets can be dangerous. It is best to stop the problem as soon as you notice them, instead of waiting to see what they will do. If you decide to try and deal with them on your own, you should wait until it gets dark. Yellow jackets return to their nest at nightfall. They will be less active and calm at this time.

How can I prevent yellowjacket problems at my home or business?

Start off with a routine maintenance pest program from a pest control expert like those at Walker Pest Management then follow these tips should help prevent any hornet problems in your home. 

  • When outside cover food and drinks hornets would be attracted to.
  • Keep compost piles at least 20 ft from home. 
  • Keep garbage cans sealed with a tight lid and at least 20 ft from home.
  • Keep hummingbird feeders away from the home. 

If you suspect a yellowjacket problem contact Walker Pest Management for a free quote

Call now for help with yellowjackets!

(866) 442-7378

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