Yellow Jacket Season: What To Know

Did you know the end of summer is peak season for yellow jackets? This blog will provide you with all of the information you need to know about these flying insects!

What do yellowjackets look like?

Yellowjackets are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and have black and yellow bands on their thoraxes and abdomens. They usually start nests in areas such as old rodent burrows, beneath landscape timbers and heavy mulch or in rock walls. They may also be found in the wall voids of homes.

Why are yellowjackets always swarming?

Yellowjackets start building nests in early spring and lay eggs all summer long. Around August and September, those eggs hatch forming a nest full of thousands of yellow jackets. Their natural food supply decreases as fall arrives, and they become more a nuisance to us because they’re looking for food. Yellowjackets will not hesitate to feed on our food if we’re eating outdoors, and will typically swarm dumpsters and trash cans.

Ways to control yellow jackets

Treatment is best performed early in the morning, late in the evening or even at night. Yellowjackets are similar to people in that they “go home” at night. Several different treatments are available: dust formulation, liquid insecticide labeled for yellow jacket control or wasp and hornet freeze spray. It’s a good idea to place a window screen over the entrance to the nest to keep the yellow jackets from exiting. You can gently puff the dust at the nest entrance, drench the nest with a liquid insecticide or use the wasp freeze to completely kill all of the yellow jackets and larvae on the nest.

Additional Tips

• Don’t shine a flashlight directly at the nest because you may startle the yellow jackets!
• Empty and clean trash cans. Use trash cans that have lids or are otherwise closed.
• Empty dumpsters regularly to eliminate food sources.
• When treating yellow jackets, wear protective clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and a bee veil.

Do you have additional questions about yellow jackets? Feel free to contact us at 1-866-WAYNES1 or click here and fill out our Contact Us form!