Yellowjackets are a type of wasp. They prey on other insects and eat sweets and proteins. These stinging insects have striped black and yellow bodies that resemble bees, which they are often mistaken for. They are social insects that live and work in large colonies, some with thousands of members. 

The queen emerges from overwintering in the spring and begins to lay eggs. The colony continues to grow throughout the spring and summer until reaching its height in early fall. The worker and male insects die over winter, leaving the queen to begin a new colony the following spring. 

Yellowjacket stings are painful, and the stinger doesn’t detach, so one insect can deliver multiple stings. Most people have mild or localized reactions to a sting, but some are allergic to yellowjacket venom. In rare cases, a sting can cause serious health concerns or even death. 

What Are the Identifying Characteristics of Yellowjackets?

While similar to other flying, stinging insects, yellowjackets have several characteristics that set them apart. They have a narrow waist and hairless, segmented body. Their wings are elongated and fold in alongside the body when the insects are at rest. Yellowjackets have six legs and antennae. They grow in size to between 3/8 and 5/8 inches long. The body has defined yellow and black bands, and the face is a mix of black and yellow. The United States is home to several species of yellowjacket, with the Eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) the most common in the Carolinas. 

Yellowjackets build nests from chewed-up wood pulp and saliva. Their material of choice gives the nests a papery appearance. They can build nests nearly anywhere, including on the ground, in holes in the ground, and within crevices of structures. 

Are Yellowjackets Dangerous?

Most yellowjacket stings are painful, but not dangerous. The majority of people experience localized reactions like itching, pain, swelling, and redness that go away with time and over-the-counter treatments like cold compresses, pain relievers, and corticosteroid creams. 

In rare cases, yellowjacket stings cause severe reactions and even death. People who are allergic to the venom, or even those who receive many stings, may exhibit symptoms such as breathing issues, coughing, tightness in the chest or throat, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, or hives. If you experience any of these, get immediate medical attention. 

Yellowjackets have the unique ability to release pheromones to alert other yellowjackets of danger. This can cause a swarm of insects to attack simultaneously, especially if you approach their nest and they feel threatened. 
The good news is that yellowjackets rarely inflict any kind of damage to actual structures. The exception may be if the insects build a nest within the walls, attic, or other part of your home. In these instances, they can chew through building materials to find their way inside. It’s important to notify an expert to remove the nest before you seal the entrance, or you trap the pests inside and they’ll escape through the interior of the building. 

Why Did I Get Yellowjackets?

Readily available food sources and plenty of appealing nest-building spots can attract yellowjackets to your yard. These insects are usually attracted by smell, so outdoor picnics, grilling meats, and sugary snacks left outside can attract them quickly. Open trash receptacles are also big culprits. 

How Do I Approach Yellow Jacket Control and Prevention?

When you spend time outdoors, keep food and drink containers covered. Wipe down tables and other surfaces to remove food residue and store leftovers away. Toss food scraps and garbage into trash cans and cover tightly with lids. 

Pick up fallen fruit from fruit trees that act as an appealing food source. Use preventative treatments to keep other insect populations under control as they are a big part of the yellowjacket diet. Changing your outdoor light bulbs to yellow light or sodium vapor lights is another simple solution you can try. Many wasp species are attracted to light, but these types are less appealing. 

You can also take measures with yourself when you go outdoors. Avoid using perfumes and strong-smelling hair products that can attract yellowjackets. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and avoid bright colors. Always wear shoes in the grass to prevent accidentally stepping on an insect. Stay aware of your surroundings and don’t go near any visible nests. If you encounter a yellowjacket, walk away calmly and slowly to prevent the insect from becoming agitated and attacking. 

How Can I Get Rid of Yellowjackets?

Yellowjacket traps can help you control the pests. You can buy traps in the market that are made specifically for yellowjackets and other types of wasps. You can also make your own if you prefer, recycling materials like mason jars or soda bottles. Just remove the top of the container and fill it partway with sugar water or another sweet liquid. Place the traps near areas where you have spotted the insects. The sweet smell will attract them, and they get trapped inside the bottle. 
DIY pest control methods for stinging insects like yellowjackets are often ineffective and wind up with you getting hurt. The best course of action is to call the experts who have experience with yellowjacket removal and can get it done safely. Killingsworth Environmental provides quality, state-of-the-art pest management services for yellowjackets throughout the Carolinas, keeping your home or business safe. 

When to Call a Yellowjacket Exterminator

Call an expert exterminator as soon as you notice yellowjackets flying around near your property. They generally stay close to their nests when searching for food, so their presence is a sign of a nearby nest.

Our team members at Killingsworth Environmental have the skill and training required to identify your pest problem and employ targeting solutions that are safe, environmentally friendly, and deliver effective results fast. We can get rid of yellowjackets and deter them from coming back so you can once again enjoy going outdoors without worry. Contact us to learn more about our yellowjacket pest control options and to request a free quote.