YELLOW JACKET NESTS

If left to mature naturally, Yellow Jacket nests will reach maturity in August or September. Most nests are in the ground under stumps or shrubs. But they also nest in voids. These voids may be in a tree or house. Such locations can be difficult to treat.
Yellow Jackets are territorial and will defend their nest. Be careful when moving around a suspected nest site. Their sting is painful and most encounters involve many stings.

YELLOW JACKET PROBLEMS

Yellow Jackets are a nuisance at locations like garbage dumpsters, decks, pool areas, picnic areas and generally any place people like to be. They are attracted to the same food we like. Soda, chicken, steak or candy will all attract Yellow Jackets. In fact, this problem is so common in the United States that just about everybody knows how intimidating and annoying a yellow jacket flying around their drink or food can be.

YELLOW JACKET BIOLOGY

This food is then brought back to their nest to feed larvae. Yellow Jackets work for nothing other than feeding their young. Though this sounds noble, the adults have self motivated intentions. They get a sugary food from young larva in exchange for the protein they provide.
Yellow jackets are no doubt one of the more aggressive wasp species around. If threatened, they will sting. In fact, yellow jackets will sting more readily then most any other wasp. And since they can sting so over and over without loosing their stinger, it’s best not to irritate them. Unfortunately a simple reaction to one buzzing around your head, arm or leg can be enough to irritate it so be careful if you have any that seem attracted to you.

Since yellow jackets use both vision and odor to find food, people will many times become the target of their focus. This is due to many reasons. People regularly sweat which yellow jackets love. They will readily seek the salty moisture where they can find it and during warm hot dry spells, people become a prime target.

WHAT CAN ATTRACT YELLOW JACKETS?

Furthermore, the colognes, anti-perspirants and other scents we wear can all contribute to yellow jackets finding us attractive. Certain colors will catch their eye as well and though there is no real pattern for this behavior, it is clear that bright colors during certain times of the year will attract them.