Yellow jackets are stinging insects that come out in the spring and are most active from early summer to late autumn. They are part of the wasp family, and they live in large colonies, where they birth and rear their young. Having yellow jackets on your property is not only annoying, as they can bother you when you are out in your backyard or garden, but it can also be dangerous, because they will swarm and attack anyone who gets near their colonies.

What do yellow jackets look like?

Yellow jackets look pretty much like your average wasp. They are black and yellow in coloration, with a thin waist, and an elongated abdomen. It’s not really necessary to be able to tell the species apart just by looking at them. The main thing that various wasp species differ on is their nest. Being able to correctly identify a nest will help with the removal process. Wasp species also differ in their levels of aggression.

Where do yellow jackets nest?

Yellow jackets are found all over the world, and there are as many as 16 yellow jacket subspecies that live in the US. As social insects, they live in colonies, just like bees, with one queen at the top. However, their colonies are short lived – as soon as the temperatures start to drop, most of the drones will die off. The queen might survive however, and it will go into hibernation, only to emerge in the spring and start a new nest. In terms of nesting locations, the queen will choose bushes, trees, wall voids, or the eaves of a building.

What do yellow jackets eat?

Yellow jackets have an interesting approach to food. Adult drones will consume only sugars. They can find these sugars in trash cans, flower nectar, or soda spills. However, their larvae need protein in order to survive and grow. This will send the drones out hunting for insects and even animal meat.

How do you get rid of yellow jackets?

To get rid of yellow jackets, you will need the help of a professional pest controller. Yellow jackets are extremely aggressive when someone threatens their nests, and without protective gear, you are likely to be stung numerous times. A pro will either destroy the nest, or kill the queen and then clean up the rest of the colony. If you would like to know more about the yellow jacket control process, or if you have an infestation, contact us today and we will help you out.