Discover The Best Yellow Jacket Control Products
When it comes to getting rid of pesky yellow jackets, there are a few different methods that you can use. Some people might prefer using traps, while others may choose to use insecticides. So what is the best killer for yellow jackets?
This blog post will discuss yellow jacket behavior and how to inspect and identify them. We will also look at several excellent products that you can use to eliminate yellow jackets safely and effectively!
Yellow Jacket Habits
Yellow jackets are stinging insects that build their nests in the ground. They are often attracted to areas where there is food, such as picnics and barbecues. Yellow jackets will also make their nests in trees and shrubs.
The nests are made of paper-like material and can be up to three feet in diameter in extreme cases. The insects will build the nest by chewing plant material and mixing it with saliva.
Yellow jackets are aggressive and will sting if they feel threatened. The sting can be painful and cause swelling. Therefore, if you see a yellow jacket nest, it is best to stay away from it.
Yellow jackets and other wasps love to eat sweet foods and juices.
What Makes Yellow Jackets Different From Wasps
Wasps are a diverse group of flying, stinging insects that include both solitary and social species. Unlike bees, wasps do not produce any honey and typically have thinner bodies and longer legs. Yellow jackets are a type of wasp that is often considered to be aggressive, and they are known for their nesting habits.
Yellow jackets belong to the wasp genus Vespula, which contains 23 different species. Dolichovespula is another wasp genus that includes yellow jackets and has 18 species.
Unlike other wasps, yellow jackets are underground nesting insects. This can make them tough to spot, and it also helps to protect them from predators. Yellow jackets are also known for their scavenging habits, and they will often raid garbage cans or picnic baskets in search of food.
Yellow Jacket Identification
- Yellow Jackets are wasps that are 5/8 to 1 inch in size.
- They have a black and white or black and yellow color pattern and a thin waist.
- The wings of a yellow jacket are dark but clear with brown veins. The legs of a yellow jacket are yellow.
- The head of a yellow jacket has two black eyes and two black antennae.
- The mouthparts of a yellow jacket are black or yellow and appear to be "beaked."
- A yellow jacket's thorax (middle section) is striped with black and yellow.
- A yellow jacket's abdomen (back end) is mostly yellow with some black markings.
Typically, yellow jackets construct their nests in the ground or in trees. They are sometimes mistaken for "ground bees" because they build their nests in the ground. Yellow jackets also build nests in old buildings, such as attics and crawl spaces.
These stinging pests are usually not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. However, if their nest is disturbed, they will sting the offender multiple times. A yellow jacket's sting can be very painful and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Yellow jacket aerial nests can reach huge sizes if not controlled quickly.
Inspect For Yellow Jackets
There are a few key signs to search for when inspecting for yellow jackets. The first is the nest entrance. This is usually a small hole in the ground that leads to the nest.
If you see one of these, it's important to stay 20 feet away from it. The next thing to look for is the nest opening. This is where the insects will fly in and out of the nest. If you see this, it means that the nest is nearby.
Finally, you'll want to locate the nest itself. This can be tricky sometimes, as yellow jackets are known for their ability to build aerial nests in hard-to-reach places. However, if you're able to find the nest, it's essential to stay well away from it as these insects can be aggressive. We recommend long pants and a shirt with long sleeves to reduce the chances you are stung.
What Is The Best Killer For Yellow Jackets?
If you're like the average homeowner, you probably don't enjoy sharing your space with yellow jackets. These pesky stinging insects are not only a nuisance but can also be dangerous, especially if you're allergic to their venom. The good news is that there are a number of effective products on the market that can help you get rid of yellow jackets for good.
Two of the most popular options are Stryker 54 Contact Aerosol and PT 565 Contact Insecticide. Both of these products are specifically designed to treat the nest directly, killing the yellow jackets and preventing them from coming back. To minimize your chances of getting stung, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt.
If you prefer a long-term dust-based solution, Tempo Dust and D-Fense Dust are both excellent choices. Be sure to wear protective clothing and a proper filtering mask when using either of these products, as inhaling the dust can be harmful. With a little effort, you can get rid of wasps and say goodbye to yellow jackets for good.
You can prevent yellow jackets by finding and destroying their nests in the late spring or early summer. This is what the entrance to an underground yellow jacket nest may look like.
Prevent Yellow Jackets
When it comes to hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets, the best offense is a good defense. By taking proactive measures to find and eliminate nests, reduce access to food sources, and trap them, you can effectively keep these pests at bay.
The best way to reduce their numbers is to find and eliminate their nests in the late spring and early summer. You can do this by looking for wasp nests in trees or bushes, or by checking the ground for what looks like rodent burrows, as these holes may serve as an entry point for the wasps. Once the nest has been located, you can destroy it using one of our do-it-yourself pest control methods.
The next step is to reduce their access to food sources. One way to do this is to keep your trash cans tightly sealed. You should also avoid leaving meat or sweet foods and drinks out in the open where wasps can easily access them. If you're having an outdoor event, keep food covered as much as possible.
Finally, you can trap wasps by setting out quality baited traps such as Advantage Yellow Jacket Trap. By placing multiple traps and regularly replacing the bait, you'll notice a drastic reduction in your yellow jacket population. These traps will attract wasps from all over, so it's essential to place them away from areas where people will be present. With these steps, you can effectively prevent wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets from becoming a problem.