Alpha Ecological Blog


Beware of Yellowjackets

Date: March 05, 2007 / Posted by: Admin AH / Articles Pest Gazette

Throughout late summer and early fall as the weather gets cooler, many species of yellowjacket queens stop laying eggs. New queens emerge, mate and find protected sites to hibernate over winter. Worker yellowjackets stop foraging for the colony and go out more often on their own.

They are attracted to sweets or syrups, such as those left in the bottoms of soda cans. These and other sweet things in and around garbage cans or bags can draw dozens or even hundreds of such pest wasps. Since they no longer have a colony to provide for, these yellowjacket workers tend to hang around garbage cans, soft drinks or any other source of sweets they may find.

The first step in preventing this problem is to clean up all spilled sweet materials thoroughly, placing all empty cans and bottles in tightly-closed heavy plastic bags. Wash and rinse all surfaces as well as dishes and serving utensils frequently. Keep all sweet foods, drinks and fruits covered until they are about to be eaten. Yellowjackets can be dangerous pests. According to the media, over 500,000 people go to the emergency room every year due to stinging insects. Control of yellowjackets should not be attempted by homeowners. These pests can sting repeatedly as they have an agressive disposition this time of year.

Call us if you see any yellowjackets where you live or work. We can survey the situation, provide immediate knockdown treatments if needed, and advise on sanitation improvements which might help reduce these pests.
used with permission from "Pest Gazette" - Fall 2005


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