Aggressive, persistent and prolific breeders, yellow jackets are a major concern for home and business owners. This is because when yellow jackets and people meet, painful stings are all-too-frequently the result.
Yellow jackets are recognized as highly territorial. Unlike most bees, these wasps are capable of delivering multiple stings. This becomes especially dangerous when other yellow jackets are in the vicinity as they are likely to join in the attack.
People who are the victims of multiple stings may be in need of immediate medical attention. The best protection against this eventuality is to hire a professional exterminator for yellow jacket wasp control.
Yellow jacket control involves the destruction of the insects' nest, and this is a risky proposition for the average homeowner. However, the skill, tools and know-how of a licensed exterminator are exactly what is needed to end an infestation.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Adult yellow jackets measure anywhere from 10 to 16 millimeters in length. The most frequently seen members of the colony are the workers, all of which are sterile females. Their bodies usually are covered with alternating black and yellow stripes, although some individuals may have a white and black coloration. Unlike the stout waistline of the bee, yellow jackets have a slender waist. Their wings are long, and like most insects, they have six legs.
WHERE DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS LIVE?
Most yellow jacket wasps prefer to nest at or below ground level. In fact, a colony is likely to choose an abandoned animal burrow as a nest. Other possible locations include a hollow beneath a fallen tree or an open area beneath a large stone. Usually, these underground nests are cleverly concealed, but the yellow jacket activity in the area is hard to ignore.
Some yellow jackets may prefer to build a suspended nest. To construct this nest, workers chew on materials that contain cellulose. The materials are mixed with saliva to produce a paper-like material.
Hanging yellow jacket nests may be found on utility poles, in trees or beneath the eaves of a building as well as a variety of other places.
WHAT DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS EAT?
Flowering trees and plants often provide food for yellow jackets because these pests like sweet substances. This proclivity means that yellow jackets frequently are found infesting orchards and fields where fruit is grown.
Yellow jackets sometimes are referred to as "meat bees" because they are drawn to foods that contain protein. Young members of the colony that live in the nest are in constant need of protein. The female workers from the colony are responsible for collecting this protein and bringing it back. Meat may be obtained from barbecues, picnic tables or even outdoor garbage cans.
Because people also eat protein and sugar, many human foods appeal to yellow jackets. This includes items like hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, condiments, salad dressings, fruit juices, sodas, ice cream and more. Pet food also will be targeted.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY YELLOW JACKET WASPS
In general, yellow jackets are not responsible for structural damage to buildings. Nonetheless, it is possible that they will build a nest in an attic or within the walls. This means that they may chew through drywall, which allows them to enter living spaces.
If a nest that is built within a human habitation is abandoned, then it will begin to rot, and this may lead to mold and mildew issues.
However, the real problem associated with yellow jackets relates to their overly aggressive behavior.
ARE YELLOW JACKET WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Known as territorial and pugnacious, it rarely is wise to tangle with a yellow jacket. Stings may occur in a variety of situations. The species is particularly aggressive around food sources, and stings are common when people are enjoying picnics and barbecues. Simply swatting at a yellow jacket that is looking for food may be enough to incite a sting.
Similarly, yellow jackets are infamous for flying into soda cans. When an unsuspecting person takes a drink, they may be stung on the lips or in the mouth or throat if the insect is accidentally swallowed.
The other place where yellow jackets are especially aggressive is around the nest. People inadvertently disturb these nests while going about ordinary tasks like mowing the lawn or performing other yard work. They may not be aware that a nest is hanging above them, and if they come too close, the colony may begin stinging.
Each yellow jacket is capable of stinging numerous times. Individual insects emit a pheromone that incites other colony members to join the attack.
DO YELLOW JACKET WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
While yellow jackets are not responsible for transmitting illnesses to the people they encounter, they remain a threat to health. This is because some people are allergic to wasp stings. Even people who do not have an allergy are susceptible to a severe and dangerous reaction when they are stung multiple times.
Some people are fortunate in that they suffer only a short-term but intense reaction to a sting. Others will experience significant tenderness and swelling accompanied by itchiness.
Still others may have a potentially life-threatening reaction, which is more likely when they receive multiple stings. These reactions are caused by destructive enzymes that are present in wasp venom that cause tissue damage, as well as the injection of foreign protein matter. Damaged tissue and other debris are rushed to the kidneys, which cannot cope with the influx. Medical intervention is required to prevent renal failure.
HOW TO DETECT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
When people notice these signs, yellow jacket control is necessary:
• Crowds of flying insects gathered around a spot on the ground, in a tree or beneath the eaves • Happening upon a nest in the garden or lawn • Seeing a paper-like nest hanging from a building • Being dive bombed by yellow and black insects • Stings being reported on the property
HOW TO PREVENT YELLOW JACKET WASPS
While it is not always possible to prevent a yellow jacket infestation, here are some tips proven to help keep yellow jacket wasps at bay:
• Get rid of fallen logs and yard debris that may provide nesting sites • Find and repair all plumbing and irrigation leaks • Keep garbage cans free of stains and spills • Make certain that all garbage cans have lids • Inspect building exteriors for signs of nest building • Fill or cover all gaps in window and door frames • Place screens on doors and windows • Keep doors and windows shut • Fill or cover holes in building exteriors
HOW WE TREAT FOR YELLOW JACKET WASPS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach to eradicate bees, wasps, and hornets that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments sources available for bee control. By combining these treatment measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps, bees, and hornets.
