Discovering a yellow jacket nest on your property can be extremely alarming. These aggressive stinging insects have the ability to sting multiple times, resulting in significant pain and injury. It’s important to deter these pests from making a home out of your property. Read on to learn more about the dangers of yellow jackets and what you can do to keep your family safe.
What Does A Yellow Jacket In Fairfax Look Like?
There are several species of yellow jackets found throughout the world, but they all share some common characteristics. You can identify them due to their signature yellow and black coloring. Yellow jackets have a wasp-like appearance with a patterned abdomen that resembles bands. These insects have six legs, two antennae, and use a pair of wings to fly around. The average yellow jacket is between 3/8″ and 5/8″ in length.
Yellow jackets are the most active between late summer and early fall. They are social insects and live in colonies of up to 4,000 insects. These stinging insects are notorious for invading outdoor gatherings, especially when there’s food involved. This is because sweets and proteins commonly found in most of the foods humans like to enjoy will attract them. Yellow jackets build their nests out of chewed cellulose and prefer to build their habitats underground. You might also find a yellow jacket nest in a dark, undisturbed corner of a house or a barn.
Yellow Jacket Behavior And Potential Threats
Effective yellow jacket control begins with the awareness of the dangers they bring. These insects are extremely territorial and will defend their nests at all costs when threatened. However, a yellow jacket will also sting unprovoked. Yellow jackets can sting more than once, making them especially dangerous to humans. They also retain their stingers and will bite the skin to latch onto the body. This makes them more of a threat than other stinging insects like wasps and hornets.
When defending their nest, the colony will appoint a guard at the entrance to watch for intruders. If you get too close, you may become a victim of a swarm attack. Yellow jacket colonies are very sensitive to vibrations and will come up from underground if they believe they’re in danger. A sting from a yellow jacket is not only extremely painful, but it also could cause a severe allergic reaction in certain individuals. If you have been stung by a yellow jacket and are experiencing shortness of breath, dizziness, or hives, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
How To Get Rid Of A Yellow Jacket Nest
Because they are so dangerous, the best way to get rid of yellow jackets is to work with an experienced yellow jacket exterminator. To prevent yellow jackets from taking over your property, try some of these tips today:
- Set bait traps around your property to divert yellow jackets away from your outdoor dining and seating areas.
- Clean your grill thoroughly after cooking and keep it covered when not in use.
- Keep outdoor garbage stored in a sealed container with a locking lid.
- Avoid wearing scented body products outdoors, especially sweet, fruity scents.
- Eliminate other pests from your property. Yellow jackets will feed on spiders, caterpillars, and flies.
Getting rid of yellow jackets can be tricky. For tough infestations, work with a trusted Fairfax pest control company, like SPRK Pest Solutions.
SPRK Pest Solutions: Effective Yellow Jacket Control In Fairfax
When you discover a yellow jacket colony on your property, call the experts at SPRK Pest Solutions. We’ve been keeping local homes pest-free since 2018. Our EPA-approved pest control solutions are both highly-effective and safe for your family and pets. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
