Family Owned Pest Control in Washington & Utah
License # 101704
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- License # 101704
As the air gets warmer, swarms of insects start buzzing around your yard. Butterflies slowly drift from flower to flower while bumblebees clumsily hop around the clover.
Unfortunately, it’s not just the friendly pollinators making an appearance. Yellowjackets are already out and about, staking their claim on your property from spring through fall.
If you’re hoping to enjoy your outdoor space without aggressive wasps ruining the vibe, now’s the time to take action. Whether you’re looking to deter wasps naturally, use plants that keep away wasps, or explore essential oils that wasps hate, preparation is everything.
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping yellowjackets from nesting around your home and how to handle a wasp problem before it gets out of control.
Yellowjackets belong to two genera: Dolichovespula and Vespula. While they all share that sleek, segmented body and narrow waist, Dolichovespula species tend to have longer faces compared to the shorter, broader faces of Vespula yellowjackets.
Their streamlined, slender bodies make them easy to confuse with other stinging pests, but yellowjackets are a different beast altogether. Unlike bees, which have fuzzier bodies designed for pollination, yellowjackets are smooth, shiny, and built for speed and aggression. They lack the hairy coating that helps bees collect pollen, and their bodies are more elongated and wasp-like.
It’s not just their appearance that sets them apart; it’s their temperament. Yellowjackets are notoriously aggressive, especially when they feel their nest is threatened. They can sting multiple times without hesitation, making them far more dangerous than honey bees, which can only sting once.
It’s also easy to mistake hornets for yellowjackets. Both are wasps, but hornets are typically larger and bulkier. The European hornet is the only true hornet species in the United States, while the bald-faced hornet, despite its name, is technically a type of yellowjacket. Understanding these differences can help you identify what’s buzzing around your yard and how to keep these pests at bay.
Yellowjacket wasps generally have a short lifespan, rarely living longer than a year. As temperatures drop in winter, most established colonies die off. Only fertilized queens survive by entering hibernation and waiting for warmer weather to start the cycle over.
The life cycle of a yellowjacket begins when a queen lays eggs that hatch into infertile female workers. These workers, all dedicated to protecting and expanding the nest, spend their days foraging, building, and feeding the colony. During spring and summer, they are most active and aggressive, especially when it comes to guarding their nest.
By late summer, the queen shifts her focus to producing fertile males and new queens. After mating in the fall, the males die off while the fertilized females hibernate until they can continue this cycle again. These queens will find warm areas to lie dormant, like fallen logs, wood piles, or inside homes. As spring approaches, she will start crafting a large hive to house her young.
Knowing how to prevent wasps from nesting near your home starts with learning how to spot a yellowjacket nest. Typically, they nest underground, preferring to build their intricate colonies beneath the dirt. Hornets and paper wasps prefer to construct their hives out in the open.
While this usually prevents hives from taking over areas around your home, underground nests aren't as easy to spot. If you're unsure of what to look for, you could accidentally walk right up to their doorstep.
These pests are easily disturbed by movement and will attack anything they see as a threat. If you stray too close, you may encounter a group of angry wasps. Everyday activities like mowing the lawn or gardening can aggravate these pests, causing them to launch an aggressive attack.
While many yellowjacket nests are underground, they can also nest in unexpected spots. Hollow trees, garbage cans, and structural gaps in your home are all fair game. You might find them building nests in attics, garages, under porches, or beneath decks. They create their comb-like structures by chewing up wood fibers, which they mold into durable, paper-like hives.
Yellowjacket wasps appreciate your flower garden as much as you do. While bees are known as excellent pollinators, yellow jackets can also lend a hand when the weather warms up. While they are more prevalent at the end of summer or fall, they can still maintain heavy populations during the spring and early summer when flowers bloom.
Plants, fruits, and flowers are all magnets for yellowjackets. They’re drawn to sugary snacks and may even try to snatch a piece of fruit right from your hand. Standing water can also entice them to nest nearby. These tiny pests need reliable sources of water, so leaving uncovered buckets or bowls filled with water will encourage and sustain the wasps.
Because they love a sweet snack, yellowjackets will turn towards any sweet substance you may have around. Besides fruits and flowers, they will gladly feast on drinks in open cans or glasses.
Yellowjackets won’t necessarily build a nest just because you’re hosting a picnic, but they’re quick to investigate anything that smells appealing. When natural food sources run low, yellowjackets aren’t picky. They’ll forage around your trash cans, especially if lids aren’t secured properly. An uncovered bin or a loosely closed lid is an open invitation for these pests to feast or even nest.
Preventing wasps is much easier than dealing with a large nest. Queens start building new colonies in spring, so keeping them away early can save you from a swarm of trouble later.
The easiest way to prevent a yellowjacket infestation is to eliminate potential food sources.
Cover trays of meat and fruit when you eat outside to keep wasps from swarming your meal. Make sure to cover your open drinks, too. Keep sugary sodas and juices sealed, and don’t leave cans or glasses unattended.
If you’re growing fruits and vegetables, try planting them away from your home next season. The wasps will want to feed on the small insects grazing your plants. They may even taste some of the sweet fruits themselves.
Yellowjackets love building nests in the ground, so keeping your yard clean can make all the difference. Start by clearing away logs, leaf piles, and other debris that could shelter a queen yellowjacket during the colder months.
Thoroughly clean up after an outside party or whenever you grill. Clean all reusable utensils or throw away one-use cutlery before you head inside. Leftover food will encourage yellowjackets to approach the area and may even convince a queen to stick around to build a nest.
While it's easy to leave behind fallen food or spilled drinks, do your best to collect everything before you head indoors. It can lure in yellow jackets and could draw the attention of other pests and animals.
Yellowjackets can also crawl into your trash cans to build nests near food sources. If you’re struggling with yellowjackets, pick a new outdoor trash can with a tight lid to prevent bugs from creeping in. Make sure your trash is contained in bags and securely tied to prevent wasps from feeding on loose food.
Wasps surprisingly won't eat everything. In fact, some plants can send them buzzing in the opposite direction. Try adding these plants to your garden, or place them in spots that could be hotspots for hives.
Spearmint can convince the pests to turn the other way. Because this plant grows swiftly, we recommend that you plant it where you can easily control it. You can also confine it to a pot on your porch or backyard. You will have mint for your cooking, and you can effectively send the wasps running. Other plants like thyme and lemongrass will also help prevent wasps from nesting near your home.
The wormwood plant is another effective way to keep wasps away. Plant this far from anything you intend to consume, and avoid ingesting any yourself. If you have animals that tend to eat grass, make sure this plant is not in an area they can easily access.
If you already have cucumbers in your garden, you can utilize them, too. The plants themselves won't bother the wasps, but you can chop up some cucumbers and lay the pieces out to prevent them from flying near your home.
Essential oils can also repel yellowjackets. According to a study in Pest Management Science, certain oils can successfully repel wasps. To create your own repellent, mix water with a few drops of essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, clove, or peppermint in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture around doorways, eaves, patios, and other areas where yellowjackets might try to build nests.
Spraying essential oils can help prevent them from building, but it may not effectively kill a current hive. You should always be cautious and never approach an active nest.
It's no secret that yellowjacket wasps love a sweet scent, but did you know that your shampoo or perfume could attract them? Wasps won't nest in your home because of the products you use, but they may fly close if they smell something appetizing.
Avoid floral and fruity soaps and perfumes during months when the yellow jackets are most prominent. If a yellowjacket approaches you, react with caution and slowly leave the area once it realizes you don't have any sweet substances on hand.
Yellowjackets will avoid nesting near another hive and usually find somewhere else to build a home. So, if a queen spots a similar-looking hive nearby, she may choose to nest further away or even out of your yard.
You can buy a premade imitation hive online or at a garden center. These nests are usually made of plastic or a silky material and come with hooks to attach to your home or trees. By mimicking the appearance of a hive, you could convince them to avoid the area around your home.
If you're a creative individual, you could consider crafting your own fake hive. You could make one from papier-mâché, glue paper around styrofoam, or construct one out of a paper bag. Here's some more information about making a fake nest from scratch!
Spotting a yellowjacket on your property doesn’t always spell trouble. These wasps are most active during the warmer months, so encountering one is common. However, where there’s one, there may be more, so it’s important to stay cautious.
These insects are notoriously aggressive, and you won't want to aggravate them by getting close. If you keep your distance, none of the insects should bother you. Mark the area where you see a nest and avoid walking near it. Knowing the hive's location will help eradicate it later.
Avoid hitting any insects that land on or near you. The movement may cause them to sting you or follow you around. You can either slowly push them away or wait until they fly elsewhere.
Yellowjackets can pose a danger to you and your family if you accidentally stumble upon their hive. Their sting packs a punch, and these aggressive insects will forcefully defend their hive.
Unlike honey bees, yellowjackets don’t lose their stingers after they attack. They can sting multiple times and may even chase you if they feel their nest is threatened.
If you are stung, you can usually handle the injury at home. Besides the initial pain, you may encounter residual symptoms hours later. It's normal to experience:
Handling a yellowjacket sting properly can make all the difference in your recovery. Begin by cleaning the area with soap and water. Don't try to rub or scratch the sting, as it could irritate your skin. Because yellowjacket wasps usually retain their stingers, you shouldn't have to worry about anything stuck in your skin.
To ease pain and reduce swelling, try these steps:
However, if you're allergic to insect stings, seek medical attention. Handle allergic reactions promptly, as you could experience trouble breathing and develop hives. If you own an EpiPen, use this to help combat the allergic reaction until you can get to an emergency room.
If you have any adverse reaction to a sting that appears out of the ordinary, consult with a physician. Your symptoms should fully subside within a week.
If you've tried preventing pests in your home but still find them buzzing around, it may be time to consider other options. Wasps can be a serious nuisance, and leaving their nests alone is not always viable. Here are some tips to help you deal with wasps on your property.
If you're determined to try a DIY approach, there are a few methods people often attempt, but we don’t recommend it. Yellowjackets are aggressive and protective of their nests, making removal a high-risk task. Professional pest control is always the safer, more reliable option.
If you still want to proceed, here’s what many DIYers try:
Always have somewhere you can run to if the wasps begin to exit their nest. Prioritize your safety and do not attempt to bother a nest unless you can approach it without angering the wasps within.
Keep in mind that even with the best precautions, DIY methods are rarely as effective as professional treatment. If you disturb the nest without fully eliminating it, the yellowjackets will simply rebuild and continue to pose a threat.
Trying to tackle yellowjackets on your own? Sprays and traps are popular DIY methods, but they come with limitations. Here's what to keep in mind.
Sprays can effectively destroy smaller colonies and any that you see flying around. When using a spray, angle the container towards the nest and try spraying the entirety of the hive. Some sprays will produce a foam that completely covers the nest, making it difficult for the wasps to escape.
But here's the catch: sprays often fall short with underground nests. If these hives have varying entrances, the yellowjackets could swiftly exit and fly towards you. It will also be challenging to cover a hive underground.
Traps are another DIY option and work by luring yellowjackets with bait. Once they fly in, they can’t find their way back out. You can buy ready-made traps online or at hardware stores, but you can also make your own using household items. Here are two options you can make at home:
Using this method can attract plenty of yellowjackets, so be sure to clean your traps regularly and remove any live insects. Keep the traps supplied well with bait, so the insects will continually flock to the area.
While traps won’t eliminate an entire nest, they can help reduce the number of yellowjackets flying near your property. Think of them as a helpful deterrent rather than a complete solution!
If you’re dealing with an underground nest, dust pesticides can be effective. Spread the dust around the nest’s entrance, making sure to cover it thoroughly. If your product doesn’t include an applicator, use a powder duster or small bulb to help distribute the dust evenly.
As yellowjackets come and go, they’ll pick up the dust and carry it into the nest, spreading it throughout the colony. For the best results, keep applying the dust regularly until you’re sure the nest is completely inactive.
Instead of solely fighting the yellowjackets with pesticides, you could encourage natural predators of these pests to visit your yard. These predators may not adequately cull hives on their own, but they can be an excellent way to disrupt population growth and even prevent the wasps from creating nests. However, some of these animals and insects could be an annoyance. Only introduce them if they will not impact your garden or cause any further damage.
You've probably spotted one of these insects out and about during the summer months. Did you know that they regularly hunt and eat wasps?
Dragonflies don't typically bother humans but may bite if you try to catch them. Attracting dragonflies to your home or garden could prevent larger yellowjacket infestations from growing and even take out a few more annoying insects that stick around.
Try hanging some plants from your porch or creating an open water source like a birdbath to prompt dragonflies to visit your yard.
The praying mantis is another insect that can help prevent yellowjackets from infesting your home. Like the dragonfly, the praying mantis regularly feeds on other insects and will catch one if it flies too close.
Plant small shrubs, herbs, and flowers to attract praying mantises to your yard. They are drawn to foliage and all the insects that come with it.
Birds are another natural predator of yellowjackets. Certain species of birds, such as bluebirds, swallows, wrens, and cardinals, prefer feasting on wasps, bees, and other insects. Tanagers primarily eat insects like the yellowjacket, and some birds will target larvae.
If you'd like more birds to visit your yard, try using bird feeders or birdbaths. You can hang feeders from your home or place feeder poles out in your yard.
Avoid using any sweet or fragrant feeds that could provoke yellow jackets to fly too close. Don’t place the feeder near your home if you already have a nearby hive.
Here's a great guide if you're interested in placing a feeder in your yard.
Relocating yellowjackets might sound like a good idea if you want them to protect your garden but keep them away from your home. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Attempting to move a yellowjacket nest is risky and rarely successful. These creatures will get easily angered if you come close to them and would not take too kindly to you grabbing their home. You could get stung by many wasps in the process, and the yellowjackets may not survive if you destroy their hive.
Underground nests will be more complicated to move, and you can't guarantee the wasps will stay in a new area. If you are interested in relocation, it's best to ask a pest specialist or even a beekeeper for advice on moving the hive to another location. Never attempt to handle a nest on your own!
When prevention doesn’t cut it and yellowjackets start buzzing around your property, it’s time to bring in the experts.
DIY alternatives are not the safest option because yellow jackets are highly aggressive. If you're looking for a pest control agency to handle a yellowjacket hive, click here to get a quote for our services!
Pest control technicians are trained to handle dangerous pests and can safely take care of a hive without endangering you or anyone in your home. They can even locate difficult-to-find nests. When turning to a pest control agency, you can be sure they will find the root of your problem and swiftly take care of it. Contact us today!
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