Yellow jackets are wasps that appear to be bees until you give them a closer examination. Yellow jackets look very much like honey bees, but these insects have a narrow waist, like that of members of the wasp family. These fierce winged creatures eat other insects but also are attracted to people food – at a picnic site, in garbage cans, or elsewhere. The only way to get rid of yellow jackets is to get rid of their nests, something that takes the proper timing and patience.
Yellow jackets build nests in wooded areas – often near the ground. These insects are very territorial yet often their nests are built near where you live. Old railroad ties, piled fire wood, and fallen trees are just a few of the places that you may encounter a yellow jacket nest.
Yellow jackets are most active during the day. If you see yellow jackets near your home or in your yard, take notice of where they fly in and out during the day. Then, you will be able to pinpoint where the nest is. Once you have done that, take notice of what time of late afternoon or evening the activity level slows. Usually after dusk, yellow jackets re-enter their nests in order to rest.
Most general stores or garden stores sell spray cans full of insecticides that are specifically formulated for wasps. You should look for a spray that has the ability to spray a distance of at least 10 or more feet so that you can spray while standing clear of the nest’s entry. Also read the label to make sure the spray is one that will kill the insects instantly.
The night you plan to kill the yellow jackets, be sure to watch carefully during the day to see where the entranceway to the nest is. If possible, roll a ball or rock to mark where the hole is. Then, remember how far the distance is from the rock to the hole; this will help you find the entranceway when it is dark out and you are ready to use your insecticide spray.
Once you have your spray can purchased and the entryway into the nest located, you are almost ready. Dress in a long sleeved shirt that covers as much skin as possible, long pants, and wear shoes to protect your feet. When heading outside, try not to shine a flashlight directly at the entryway, but instead use the ball or rock that you previously placed as a marker. Stand as far away as possible in order to accurately reach the entryway with the insecticide spray. Once you begin spraying, do not stop until you use the entire can. If you do stop, you run the risk of the yellow jackets becoming angry, swarming out of the nest, and stinging you. While you dressed to divert such stings, you also do not want to take any chances. Also, since most yellow jackets will be in the nest in the evening, the lengthy spray increases the chances of your insecticide killing all the inhabitants of the nest.
Finally, the next day, take a look to see if you spot any additional yellow jackets. If you do, repeat the process above. If after a couple of nighttime sprayings you still find yellow jackets flying around, it is time to call in a professional exterminator with professional-grade insecticides to help you get rid of the nest.
