Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive and problematic wasps homeowners encounter. Their painful stings and defensive behavior make them a serious concern, particularly during late summer and fall. This comprehensive guide will help you identify, control, and prevent yellow jacket infestations using proven methods from entomologists and pest control experts.
Quick Picks: Best Yellow Jacket Control Products
Best for Ground Nests
Best Trap
Best Spray
- Identifying Yellow Jackets: Know Your Enemy
- Understanding Yellow Jacket Nesting Habits
- How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets in Ground Nests
- Controlling Yellow Jackets in Structures
- Removing Aerial Yellow Jacket Nests
- Using Traps and Baits for Yellow Jacket Control
- Preventing Yellow Jacket Infestations
- Natural Yellow Jacket Repellents
- Safety Considerations When Treating Yellow Jackets
- When to Call Professional Pest Control
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Products for Yellow Jacket Control
- Conclusion: Creating a Yellow Jacket Management Plan
- Further Reading
Identifying Yellow Jackets: Know Your Enemy
Before attempting control, it’s crucial to properly identify yellow jackets to distinguish them from beneficial pollinators like honeybees or other wasps.
| Characteristic | Yellow Jackets | Honeybees | Paper Wasps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth, shiny black and yellow body with distinct waist | Fuzzy/hairy body with muted yellow-brown coloration | Slender with longer legs and more visible waist |
| Size | 10-16 mm (worker) | 15 mm (worker) | 16-20 mm |
| Stinging Behavior | Can sting multiple times, highly aggressive when nest disturbed | Single sting, then dies | Can sting multiple times, less aggressive than yellow jackets |
| Nest Location | Usually underground or in cavities, occasionally aerial | Enclosed structures like bee boxes or hollow trees | Open, exposed umbrella-shaped nests |
Common Species
The Eastern yellow jacket and the Southern yellow jacket are the most common species in the United States.
Health Concerns
Yellow jacket stings can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, including anaphylaxis.
Active Season
Colonies begin in spring, peak in late summer/early fall, and die off in winter (except for queens).
Diet
Yellow jackets feed on protein (insects, meat) and sweet substances (nectar, fruit, soda).
Yellow jacket with characteristic black and yellow bands
Typical ground nest entrance with yellow jackets coming and going
Internal paper structure of a yellow jacket nest
Yellow jackets are most aggressive in late summer and fall when their numbers are highest and food sources become scarce. During this time, they actively seek out human food and are more likely to sting when disturbed.
Understanding Yellow Jacket Nesting Habits
Yellow jacket nests are typically built in one of three locations: underground, in structural voids, or in aerial locations. Knowing where and how they nest is essential for effective control.
Ground Nests
- Often in abandoned rodent burrows
- Single, well-defined entrance hole
- Typically located in landscaped areas
- May house 1,000-5,000 yellow jackets
- Often discovered during yard work
Structural Nests
- Built in wall voids, attics, or crawlspaces
- Often enter through small gaps or vents
- Can damage drywall as nest expands
- May cause staining on interior walls
- Harder to locate and treat
Aerial Nests
- Less common for yellow jackets
- Usually built under eaves or in trees
- Papery, gray external covering
- Easier to spot than ground nests
- More common in warmer climates
How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets in Ground Nests
According to entomologists at Mississippi State University, ground nests account for the majority of yellow jacket infestations and require specific control methods.
Locate the Nest
During daylight, observe yellow jacket flight patterns to identify the entrance hole. Mark the location from a safe distance.
Treat at Night
Yellow jackets return to the nest at night and are less active, making this the safest time for treatment.
Wear Protection
Always wear protective clothing including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and a head covering.
Use Red Light
Yellow jackets cannot see red light, so use a red-filtered flashlight when working at night.
Method 1: Insecticidal Dust Application (Most Effective)
Mississippi State University entomologists recommend insecticidal dust as the most effective method for controlling ground-nesting yellow jackets.
- Select the right product
Use an insecticidal dust containing deltamethrin or permethrin that’s labeled for wasps and yellow jackets. - Create a duster tool
Tape a disposable cup to a 3-4 foot stick and place about a tablespoon of insecticidal dust in the cup. - Approach at night
Wait until after dark when yellow jackets are inactive. Use a red-filtered flashlight to see. - Apply the dust
From the side of the entrance (not in the flight path), gently pour the dust over and around the nest entrance hole. - Retreat if necessary
Check for activity after 24-48 hours. If yellow jackets are still active, apply a second treatment.
Method 2: Liquid Insecticide Treatment
For those who prefer liquid treatments, this method can also be effective for ground nests:
- Select a residual insecticide
Choose a liquid insecticide labeled for yellow jackets with active ingredients like lambda-cyhalothrin or permethrin. - Mix and prepare
Follow label instructions to mix the product if using a concentrate. Use a sprayer with a narrow stream setting. - Apply at night
Thoroughly drench the nest entrance and surrounding area with the liquid insecticide. - Follow up with dust
For complete control, apply insecticidal dust after the liquid dries to prevent hatching of remaining eggs. - Monitor and repeat
Check the nest entrance after 1-2 days and reapply if activity continues.
Never shine a regular flashlight directly at a yellow jacket nest during treatment. Use red-filtered light only, as yellow jackets cannot see red light but will be attracted to and agitated by white light.
Controlling Yellow Jackets in Structures
Yellow jackets that nest in buildings pose unique challenges for control, as they may be difficult to locate and access.
| Location | Signs | Control Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Voids | Yellow jackets entering/exiting from tiny cracks, buzzing sounds in walls | Insecticidal dust injected into void | May require drilling small access holes |
| Attics | Yellow jackets in upper areas of home, entry points near roof | Aerosol sprays followed by dust application | Ensure proper attic ventilation after treatment |
| Crawlspaces | Yellow jackets near foundation, under-house activity | Aerosol spray with extension applicator | Ensure all access points are sealed after treatment |
| Eaves/Soffits | Yellow jackets entering/exiting from small openings | Aerosol spray followed by dust application | Apply at night when all wasps have returned to nest |
Method for Wall Void Nests
According to University of Illinois Extension specialists, treating yellow jackets in wall voids requires a specialized approach:
- Locate entry points
During the day, observe where yellow jackets enter and exit the structure. - Prepare for treatment
At night, set up a red-filtered light source and ensure you have proper protective gear. - Apply insecticidal dust
Use a hand duster to inject insecticidal dust directly into the entry points. For better penetration, you may need to drill small holes into the void. - Do not seal immediately
Allow yellow jackets to move through the treated entrance for 2-3 days, helping spread the insecticide throughout the colony. - Seal entry points
After activity has ceased, seal all entry points with caulk or appropriate building materials to prevent re-infestation.
Never seal yellow jacket entry points without first eliminating the colony. Trapped yellow jackets may chew through interior walls to escape, potentially entering living spaces.
Removing Aerial Yellow Jacket Nests
While less common than ground nests, aerial yellow jacket nests require different control methods.
Aerosol Spray Method
- Use wasp & hornet spray with 15-20 foot range
- Apply at night when all wasps are in nest
- Spray directly into nest entrance
- Stand at a safe distance
- Thoroughly saturate the nest
Bag and Remove Method
- Use a large, sturdy plastic bag
- Quickly cover entire nest with bag at night
- Detach nest from attachment point
- Seal bag immediately
- Freeze bag or submerge in water to kill colony
Professional Removal
- Safest option for large or high nests
- Professionals have proper equipment
- Can handle difficult-to-reach nests
- Typically provides treatment warranty
- Recommended for those with allergies
Using Traps and Baits for Yellow Jacket Control
Traps and baits can help reduce yellow jacket populations, particularly when used early in the season. They’re especially useful for outdoor areas where people gather.
Timing
Deploy traps in early spring to catch queens before they establish colonies, and in summer to reduce worker populations.
Placement
Position traps 20-30 feet from areas people use, but not directly adjacent to known nests.
Bait Selection
Use protein baits (meat) in spring and early summer; switch to sweet baits (fruit juice) in late summer and fall.
Maintenance
Empty traps regularly and refresh bait weekly for maximum effectiveness.
Commercial Trap Options
| Trap Type | How It Works | Effectiveness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Traps | Attract with bait, wasps drown in soapy water | Moderate | General reduction of foraging workers |
| Funnel Traps | Wasps enter through funnel, can’t find exit | Good | Protection of specific outdoor areas |
| Bait Stations | Wasps take poisoned bait back to nest | Very Good | Eliminating entire colonies |
| Sticky Traps | Visual lures with adhesive surface | Low | Monitoring yellow jacket activity |
DIY Water Trap Recipe
According to Clemson University specialists, this homemade trap can be effective for reducing yellow jacket numbers:
DIY Yellow Jacket Water Trap
- Materials: 1-gallon plastic jug, string for hanging, dish soap, water, bait
- Preparation: Cut 1-inch diameter holes in upper half of jug, leaving top intact
- Bait: Hang raw fish or liver 1-2 inches above the water level inside the jug
- Solution: Fill bottom with water mixed with dish soap (breaks surface tension)
- Placement: Hang from trees or structures 20 feet from eating areas
- Maintenance: Empty and refresh every 1-2 weeks
Protein Bait Stations
Protein bait stations can help eliminate entire colonies when deployed correctly:
- Test bait preferences
Place small samples of different protein sources (tuna, chicken, ham) to see which attracts the most yellow jackets. - Mix with insecticide
Following label instructions, mix a small amount of approved insecticide with the preferred bait. - Place in bait stations
Put bait mixture in commercial bait stations or homemade containers with small entry holes. - Position strategically
Place stations near (but not directly at) observed yellow jacket activity. - Monitor and refresh
Check stations daily and replace bait as needed, usually every 1-2 days.
Preventing Yellow Jacket Infestations
Entomologists emphasize that prevention is more effective than treatment. Implement these strategies to make your property less attractive to yellow jackets:
Waste Management
Keep trash cans tightly sealed and clean outdoor containers regularly to remove food residue.
Outdoor Dining
Cover food during outdoor meals and clean up spills immediately, especially sugary drinks.
Structural Maintenance
Seal cracks and gaps in home exterior, especially around eaves, windows, and foundation.
Landscape Management
Fill abandoned rodent burrows and remove fallen logs, hollow trees, and debris piles.
Long-Term Prevention Plan
- Spring inspection
Examine property for potential nesting sites and seal or eliminate them before queens establish nests. - Early intervention
Place traps in early spring to capture queens and use regular monitoring to identify new nests when they’re small. - Food source control
Maintain strict sanitation around outdoor dining areas, grills, pet feeding stations, and trash containers. - Habitat modification
Keep lawns trimmed, remove brush piles, and fill ground holes that could serve as nesting sites. - Professional inspection
Consider annual professional inspections, especially if you’ve had previous infestations.
Natural Yellow Jacket Repellents
For those seeking chemical-free options, several natural repellents may help deter yellow jackets from specific areas:
Peppermint Oil Spray
- Mix 15-20 drops with water and dish soap
- Spray around outdoor dining areas
- Apply to potential nesting sites
- Reapply every 2-3 days
- Pleasant scent for humans, repulsive to wasps
Citrus Oil Spray
- Boil citrus peels in water
- Let cool and strain into spray bottle
- Spray around doorways and windows
- Apply to deck and patio surfaces
- Needs frequent reapplication
Decoy Nests
- Hang commercial or homemade paper decoys
- Position in early spring
- Place near entry points to structures
- Territorial wasps avoid areas with existing nests
- Works best as preventive measure
Natural repellents may help deter yellow jackets from specific areas, but they are not effective for eliminating established nests or controlling large infestations.
Safety Considerations When Treating Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive stinging insects, making safety precautions essential during control operations.
Protective Clothing
Wear long sleeves, pants, boots, gloves, and a hat with netting when treating nests.
Timing
Always treat nests after sunset when yellow jackets are less active and inside the nest.
Lighting
Use only red-filtered lights when working at night, as yellow jackets cannot see red light.
Emergency Plan
Have an escape route planned and first aid supplies ready in case of attack.
If you or anyone in your household has a known allergy to wasp stings, do not attempt to treat yellow jacket nests yourself. Contact a professional pest control service instead.
What to Do If Stung
- Move away quickly
When stung, immediately move at least 50 yards from the nest area. Yellow jackets release alarm pheromones that attract others to attack. - Remove the stinger
Unlike honeybees, yellow jackets usually don’t leave stingers behind, but check to be sure. - Clean the area
Wash the sting site with soap and water to remove any venom residue and prevent infection. - Apply cold compress
Use ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain for 10-20 minutes. - Monitor for severe reactions
Watch for signs of severe allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, rapid pulse, dizziness, or nausea. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if these occur.
Home Remedies for Sting Relief
- Make a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the acidic venom
- Apply apple cider vinegar to relieve pain and itching
- Use a slice of raw onion on the sting site to reduce inflammation
- Apply aloe vera gel to soothe skin and reduce swelling
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce allergic response
When to Call Professional Pest Control
While many yellow jacket situations can be handled with DIY methods, some scenarios warrant professional intervention:
| Situation | Why Call a Professional | What to Expect | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large nests with high activity | Higher risk of multiple stings and aggressive defense | Advanced equipment and protective gear, guaranteed elimination | $150-300 |
| Nests in difficult locations | May require specialized equipment or structural knowledge | Precise application methods to reach hidden nests | $200-400 |
| Multiple nests on property | Coordinated treatment plan needed for multiple sites | Comprehensive property treatment and prevention | $300-600+ |
| Known allergies in household | Life-threatening risk if stung during treatment | Safe elimination with minimal risk to residents | $150-350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous are yellow jackets compared to other wasps?
Yellow jackets are considered among the most dangerous and aggressive wasps for several reasons:
- They can sting multiple times, unlike honeybees
- They often attack in swarms when their nest is threatened
- Their venom contains substances that attract other yellow jackets
- They defend a larger territory around their nest than most wasps
- They become more aggressive in late summer and fall as resources dwindle
While their sting is not more venomous than other wasps, their aggressive defense behavior and tendency to attack in groups makes them particularly hazardous.
Does killing a yellow jacket attract more?
Yes, killing a yellow jacket near its nest can attract more yellow jackets. When threatened or crushed, yellow jackets release alarm pheromones that signal other colony members to attack. These pheromones can remain active for some time after the insect is killed.
This is why targeted control methods that don’t disturb the colony until they’re eliminated (like dust applications at night) are more effective than attempting to kill individual yellow jackets during the day.
What is the best time of year to treat yellow jackets?
The optimal timing for yellow jacket control depends on your goals:
- Early spring (March-April): Best time to trap queens before they establish colonies
- Late spring to early summer (May-June): Ideal for eliminating new nests when they’re small and less defended
- Summer (July-August): More challenging as colonies grow larger, but still manageable
- Late summer to fall (September-October): Most difficult time as colonies reach peak size and aggressiveness
For preventive measures, early spring is best. For active control of established nests, the earlier in the season, the better.
How far do yellow jackets travel from their nest?
Yellow jackets typically forage within a 1,000-foot radius of their nest, though they can travel up to a quarter-mile (1,320 feet) when searching for food. This range depends on several factors:
- Food availability (they’ll travel farther if food is scarce)
- Colony size (larger colonies have more foragers covering greater territory)
- Season (foraging range often expands in late summer as food competition increases)
- Terrain and obstacles (open areas allow for greater foraging range)
This means that yellow jackets troubling your picnic or patio may have their nest quite some distance away, making location and control more challenging.
Can yellow jackets remember human faces?
No, yellow jackets cannot remember individual human faces. Unlike some social insects like paper wasps that have demonstrated facial recognition abilities, yellow jackets rely primarily on:
- Scent detection and chemical signals
- Movement patterns and vibrations
- Visual detection of threats to their nest
However, they can learn the location of food sources and return repeatedly, which might give the impression they’re targeting specific individuals when they’re actually returning to known food locations.
Why are yellow jackets more aggressive in fall?
Yellow jackets become noticeably more aggressive in late summer and fall due to several biological and environmental factors:
- Colony size peaks, with thousands of workers competing for resources
- Natural food sources (insects and nectar) become scarcer
- Workers shift from protein to carbohydrate (sugar) foraging
- Cold nights trigger survival instincts and food urgency
- Colony focus shifts to producing and feeding new queens
This increased aggression and attraction to human foods makes fall the most dangerous time for human-yellow jacket encounters.
Do mothballs repel yellow jackets?
Despite popular belief, mothballs are not effective yellow jacket repellents and may create additional problems:
- The active ingredients (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) are not strong deterrents for yellow jackets
- Using mothballs outdoors is an off-label use not approved by EPA regulations
- Mothballs can be toxic to pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects
- They can contaminate soil and water
- The fumes can be harmful to humans with respiratory conditions
More effective natural repellents include essential oils like peppermint, clove, or citronella, which have been demonstrated to deter yellow jackets without the health and environmental risks.
What predators eat yellow jackets naturally?
Several natural predators help control yellow jacket populations:
- Birds: Tanagers, flycatchers, and bee-eaters specifically hunt flying wasps
- Mammals: Skunks, bears, raccoons, and badgers dig up ground nests
- Reptiles: Some lizards and geckos catch and eat individual yellow jackets
- Insects: Praying mantises, robber flies, and certain wasp species prey on yellow jackets
- Parasites: Several species of parasitic flies and wasps target yellow jackets
While these natural predators help maintain ecological balance, they rarely provide sufficient control for problematic yellow jacket populations near human habitations.
Top Products for Yellow Jacket Control
Delta Dust Insecticide
Best for Ground NestsHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Apply using a hand duster or bulb duster with extension tube
- Treat yellow jacket nests at night when all insects are in the nest
- Apply approximately 1-2 tablespoons of dust directly to nest entrance
- Stand away from the entrance when applying
- Monitor for activity after 24-48 hours and reapply if needed
- Remains effective in wet conditions
- Long residual activity (up to 8 months)
- Small amount provides thorough control
- Less likely to be detected by yellow jackets than liquid sprays
- Also effective against other stinging insects
- Requires a separate duster for application
- Can drift if applied in windy conditions
- Not suitable for aerial nests
- Must be kept dry until application
RESCUE Reusable Yellowjacket Trap
Best TrapHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Fill with the included attractant and water following package directions
- Hang trap 20 feet away from outdoor activity areas
- Position in sunny locations 4-5 feet above ground
- Empty and refill every 2 weeks or when full
- Clean thoroughly between uses
- Targets yellow jackets specifically
- No insecticides or poisons used
- Reusable for multiple seasons
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Effective at reducing foraging worker populations
- Does not eliminate entire colonies
- Requires regular emptying and maintenance
- Less effective in late fall when temperatures drop
- May take time to show noticeable reduction in yellow jacket numbers
Spectracide Wasp & Hornet Killer
Best SprayHow Does It Work
How to Use
- Spray at sunset when yellow jackets are less active and in the nest
- Stand at a safe distance (at least 20 feet from nest)
- Aim directly at the nest entrance, saturating it completely
- Spray in a sweeping motion to cover entire nest
- Retreat after 24 hours if activity continues
- Long-distance spray keeps user at safe distance
- Kills on contact for immediate results
- Works on multiple stinging insect species
- No mixing or special equipment needed
- Residual effect helps prevent reestablishment
- Not effective for underground nests
- May require multiple applications for large nests
- Strong odor during application
- Less effective in windy conditions
Conclusion: Creating a Yellow Jacket Management Plan
Effectively controlling yellow jackets requires a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatment. By understanding yellow jacket behavior and biology, you can better protect your family and property from these aggressive insects.
- Prevention through sanitation and property maintenance is the most effective long-term strategy
- Early intervention when nests are small is much easier than dealing with mature colonies
- Always treat nests at night using red-filtered lighting and proper protective clothing
- Consider professional help for large colonies, difficult-to-reach nests, or if allergies are a concern
With the right approach and proper safety precautions, you can effectively control yellow jackets and enjoy your outdoor spaces without the constant threat of stings. Remember that these insects do provide ecological benefits by controlling other pest insects, so focus control efforts on problematic nests near human activity rather than attempting to eliminate all yellow jackets from your property.
Further Reading
For more information about yellow jacket control, consult these authoritative resources:
- University of Illinois Extension: Yellowjackets – Comprehensive information about yellow jacket biology and control methods
- Mississippi State University Extension: Yellow Jackets Attack to Protect Home Nests – Expert advice from entomologists on yellow jacket behavior and control
- Clemson University: Yellow Jackets – Research-based approaches to controlling yellow jacket populations
- Ask Extension: How to Effectively and Safely Get Rid of Yellow Jackets – Expert answers to common questions about yellow jacket control
1 week after the dousing; totally wasp-free! Come Fall, I’m going to fill the hole with sand to just below the crack then seal the crack with concrete. See ya then!
Just finished checking the sidewalk crack I mentioned in my previous post. 2nd day, not a wasp to be seen. I’m thinking the dousing with 2 gallons of water mixed with liquid laundry detergent while they were in for the night must have nailed the majority of them, then plugging the entrance with the plastic bags trapped any survivors. I’ll check it again in a day with an update.
I discovered a yellowjacket nest entrance in a sidewalk seam where I park my car… pretty active during the day. Waited until dark, poured a gallon of hot water mixed with 8 oz. of dollar store liquid laundry detergent in the crack then ran like hell. Waited a few minutes and checked the seam from a distance, no sign of life. Poured a pint of straight detergent in the seam, let it drain down in then followed with another gallon of soap solution. No activity. As a parting gift I rolled up a few plastic shopping bags and wedged them into the seam then tamped them down tight with a paint stir stick. That should do them in for a while but I’ll check it in a day or two and report back here. (If nothing else, they’ll be the cleanest bunch of wasps in town!)
We live on a sailboat tide off to a concrete floating dock, how to we get rid of a in ground yellowjacket nest?
For ground nests, another trick is to dump white vinegar in the holes. Many nests seem to have more than one hole, so be sure to get them all. I don’t know if it kills them, but we had a huge (several feet across) nest in the ground of our yard, nothing was working, so we tried this, on the suggestion of a pest control expert. Within days, no more yellowjackets.
Yellow cornmeal ants will eat it can not digest it. think there full dont eat an die it works. I am going to try it yellow jackets.
Do not seal off the nest from the outside until you have killed them all, or they will just get into the house. They eat wood and will enlarge a crack to go from space to space inside your walls. You need to find the nest (try a stethoscope) and kill them.
If I have yellow jackets going into an opening in my brick, and then god knows where, can I just wait and seal it in very late fall (it’s already early November) after all visible activity in/out has stopped or very early spring? Does the queen leave at the end of the year and if I seal it up, will I not be trapping g anything in my house at that point??
We are having a awful time with yellow jackets..we don’t keep garbage outside..only goes out once a week..my husband decided to start saving our cans..pop and beer..he has a bag hanging in garage..I’ve read they like both of those..but I don’t see any flying around the bag..they are going in and out of the fasha and soffit outside garage door..we’ve probably sprayed 15 cans of hot shot now using raid…do you think it’s the cans that brought them? We’ve never had this problem before..I’ve been stung and so has one of our dogs…I feel like a prisoner in my own home…
I have a BIG problem with Yellow Jackets.. They’re going under the shingles and into the aluminum siding from all 4 corners of the house and who knows where else. I also hear scratching, tapping in the walls. Started out in one room in a two story home and now I heard it all over upstairs. I read that could be from them chewing the wood and sheet rock. Trying to expand their nests. Anyone else have this problem. I have also found them in the house. Bathroom and kitchen. I tried catching one in the bathroom and the bugger escaped from the ceiling light… Hmmmm.
I know I have a HUGE nest all over in the walls. I am just hoping I don’t have to tear down the walls.. that would be costly.
So I am finally getting Orkin to come out and take care of the problem. They said it would be $250 from outside and inside which I thought is very reasonable. I will try to update after the treatments are done.
Wish me luck! Any info from other would be appreciated! Thanks.!
Oh Yes.. Those of you trying to do this yourself.. I would be very cautious! I know seven dust kills them.. But it’s a pesticide! It is harmful to humans can kill.. If you read the label it states do not use on building.. there is a reason for that. I have two young ones at home and I do not want to take a chance. I will question Orkin as well about their product.
I live in florida and have a huge nest under my mobile home behind the siding. It’s been there a very long time(prolly 1yr.). The nest is about the size of an exercise ball. I’ve used the spray but can’t get under the skirting far enough to get to all of them or knock the nest down completely. I don’t know what to do. Please don’t suggest a professional because I live on a limited income. I’m elderly and female living alone. I’ve been stung 14 times at one time. It was very painful. Someone plz. help me.
Get several empty soda or juice plastic bottles. Punch or drill holes 1/8 inches size randomly around the top third of bottles. inside bottles put mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or sugar and water. Add some pieces of rotting fruit – banana, apple, etc. Drop in some peanut butter or old meat for good measure. Squirt a bit of dish soap into the liquid and shake it a bit. Tie a strong string around necks of the bottles. Hang up from an overhanging tree branch or whatever else is handy or set the bottles on the ground about 8 to 10 feet from the nest (do this at night if possible so you minimize risk getting stung). Stay away from area and hopefully they will be attracted into the bottles and drown (they can’t get back out from the holes).
There’s a trick I heard of never tried it but it might just help get A 2 liter bottle of soda leave about 2 inches of soda in it the Wasps Hornets bees fly in but they cannot fly out and die
As for using a soda bottle, don’t forget there might be 1000 yellow jackets in your nest.
Last summer and fall I had a big nest which was in an old animal burrow, and it was right behind my garden so I couldn’t go near the garden. Go stung twice, once by one of those wasps (yellow jackets) and once my the side of the building, so they are also in other locations. I did not dare to get near the next at night. No matter how late I went out there, I thought I saw a few flying around. This year I filled the next, which had collapsed and created a hole, with rock and dumped bleach there, but they say they don’t come back to the same place. I’ve seen some funny looking holes in other places around. Nothing flying around. It’s June 1st. Maybe I’ll go out and dump some more bleach or ammonia into the funny holes just in case. Once I see any yellow jackets, then it will be a different matter. The stings hurt like h— and the bite area swells up and stays that way for a few days. I hate them. The are aggressive. They get what they deserve. I’ve read all the answers here and I’m itching all over.
I used to have mole problem but not since the yellow jackets took over their ground holes three years ago. I’d rather have the moles. I’ve not treated the yellow jackets and they went from ground nest first year to a different ground nest plus a basement window the next year. Last year was a ground nest, under siding nest, and an attic nest through an attic outside vent. The nest dies each year but the queen or queens locate new homes nearby to hibernate over winter to start again. This spring I will scout early for new activity and try some of the more natural remedies to rid my property of them. Then I’ll post what worked for me. Thanks for all the success stories.
OK some use gasoline poured into the hole for bees, yellow jackets with ground nests. That stuff is VERY FLAMABLE. Use Diesel fuel instead. It’s quite difficult to ignite and has the same impact on bees as gasoline and doesn’t burn up your grass or surrounding plants as badly. I use old diesel fuel left from my boat but you can buy a small can at most any gas station. Mike’s comments of Jan 1, 2016 about using Sevin on ground nests also works well. My nest was under some wooden steps with no access to the nest hole as they entered through an opening between steps. The Sevin powder was placed on the step where they entered. It took about 5 replenishes of the Sevin to get them all gone.
Had huge problems with yellow jackets here and solved it two ways for good. For exposed nests (under eaves etc), the tried and true bee and hornet spray available anywhere does the trick. It lets you keep some distance. Just be sure to thoroughly douse the nest. This approach is no good for ground nests, inside walls, or other cases where the actual nest isn’t in the clear. For that I’ve had 100% success with using the common insecticide dust called Sevin, also available at all home improvement stores. Just dust it at the entry hole and dust as much into the hole as possible using a bellows duster or other similar item like a turkey baster. I rigged my duster at the end of a painters pole so I could more confidently push in a lot more dust with less fear.
Almost everyday toward the end of the summer I’ve been seeing yellow jackets in my dining room flying around the ceiling light. I checked outside and I see a few at a time flying between the brick and the siding near my back window. I haven’t sprayed hoping they would go away because of the cold. No such luck. Everyday there are at least 10 dead yellow Jacks on the dining room table under my light. I have no idea how they’re getting in from outside because I don’t see a hole in the sheetrock. So far they haven’t come upstairs. They’re just in the dining room where they die on their own. Sometimes they eat the bees that died in the light holder. How do you stop them? I don’t want them to come back next year or come home one day and find 100 flying in my house.
I just bought a house and having painting done and started noticing yellow jackets hanging on 1st floor patio door and upstairs bedroom window. Kill a bunch and more show up every morning. Called Orkin and luckily saw a couple enter under the siding near the bricks so he sprayed powder and hoping the powder will make it to the nest. Have no idea how they are getting inside the house but have to observe early in the morning
Best ideas are electric zapper and fly paper, especially if you can’t find the best. That’s us today, can’t find the nest. Zapper has worked well for us against mosquitos.
We had yellow jackets climb into our house wall. I thought there were just a few. My husband bought different insecticides which worked but there were still more bees the next day. Finally he tied a small hand vacuum cleaner to the outside with zip ties and ran an extension cord. This was done at night. He ran it the following day for 30 minute intervals during the day. When he emptied the container that night I counted around 200 dead bees. The next day he netted another 200. This continued on for about 2 weeks. Our final count is around 1,000 dead yellow jackets. He did seal it up against my wishes but there are still some managing to come out so I think he will have to zip tie the vacuum cleaner back up. It was shocking to me to have so many inside a bedroom wall and not know it.
From early Sept I heard scratching in the walls of my bedroom. Tried different things for different pests but the scratching was still there. Now suddenly 2 days ago in the morning a hole emerged and out came about 100 yellow jackets. By evening all dropped dead. I vacuum them up. Could the queen (s) still be in the walls? It is getting a bit cold now as l live in Queens NY. What to do next?
I’m also in Queens and this week found 2 dead on the landing going up to my bedroom but since I’m at work all day, I haven’t seen any flying around…until today. There are 2 near the window on that same landing and I’m guessing they are coming in from any one of a hundred gaps in this old house but I’m terrified! I’m guessing I’ll spray around the window when it gets dark but I hate to sleep breathing in those fumes. I don’t know what to do! Any suggestions for all natural spray?
We tracked them down to the encasement built around the gas fireplace, which led us to the hole in the fireplace shroud where the gas line entered. We stuffed fiberglass insulation around the gas line and saturated it with wasp and hornet spray. We haven’t seen any in the house since. We will deal with the nest when it gets cold outside.
We have yellow jackets in between the bricks on our second floor below a window. We have been fighting them for two weeks now with different sprays we have purchased at Lowe’s and Ace Hardware. Some die and then we notice more the next morning. They are starting to fly downstairs in our dining & living room area. Help!!! We have been vacuuming them up with a shop vac also. Cannot seem to locate where they are getting into the house. Any suggestions appreciated.
We have a yellow jacket nest with the entry as a crack in the foundation footing. Not sure if the nest is in the wall, can’t hear any activity in the walls. No attic. Tonight I did the first application of pyrethrin spray (CB-80) and insecticide dust (Tempo 1% Dust) at the entrance hole. Will check for activity tomorrow and let you all know how it went.
This morning, watched for five minutes. Saw one yellow jacket tumble out of wall and unable to fly. No other activity. Likely will retreat again tonight. So far, very promising.
Where do I get this pyrethrin spray and Tempo dust?
for everyone trying to get rid of yellow jackets powder pesticide is the best. got an applicator and the pesticide for around 60 bucks with shipping. I made the mistake of blocking the entrance and then they came inside the basement. Coming in my can lights.
I applied he powder at the entrance and they have dragged it into the nest. I have found 6 queen yellowjackets crawling or dead in my basement. No more jackets at the entrance outside.
Waiting a day or so and then i have to cut my ceiling in the basement open to locate and remove the nest. i have found crawlers also in my basement. I hope this helps
Very helpful tip Will, I will try to find this yellow jacket powder pesticide and hope it works for me.
Will, the nest die out in the winter and will they return to the nest or house next spring?
Everything I have read on the subject says that yellow jackets die out in the winter and the nests are not reused. The problem is that they become increasingly aggressive as you near winter because their food sources get slim.
very interesting tips and experiences
I have yellow jackets under my siding and another group crawling up the mortar joint between bricks and under siding, may have gone into attic.
So far, I’ve just sprayed the entry points in evening and set out two yellow jacket traps. I will keep observing
I got a lot of bees on my pick up truck and I’m alergic how do I kill the bees in the day time
I live in upstate NY, about 75 miles north of Manhattan. For past several weeks I have been scooping up dozens of little bugs from my pool. I would describe them as flying ants. Just as I think I got them all, there’s more. I can’t tell where they are coming from. And I’m pretty sure they are not flying ants. Is there even such a creature. Also pretty sure one of them stung me, although, it was pretty laughable, with it being so little. I googled baby wasps and I think that’s what these are. They are for the most part, black. HOWEVER, then I’ll find some that definitely have itty bitty yellow stripes. We’ve had yellow jackets in the ground before and didn’t know it until they attacked my husband when he moved the pool deck. That was years ago. I have a bad feeling. I think I have multiple nests. Just s little while ago, around 7:00 pm, I spotted hundreds of bugs flying about in the backyard, past the pool. I looked in the pool and sure enough, dozens of them fighting for their lives. I ran inside and grabbed my zoom lens camera. Please, please, please! Any advice? My grandkids are here all the time running around back there (although after tonight, I don’t even know if I want them outside!). I have a bad bad feeling that my problem goes way beyond one best.
I don’t no where the hole is where I have yellow jacket , What kind of spray can i get to put on the ground to kill then when i weedeat i get stung evey time.
ugh…just beginning our search for the nest. In the past 3 days we have killed 5 yellow jackets in the house. First 3 were moving slow and stupid, crawling, not flying. Last 2 were flying. Reading all this info, but honestly do not know where to start to find the nest! Hubby checked out our attic. Nothing noticeable happening up there.
I am at work and my son is home keeping me updated. He is watching the outside of the house to see if he can catch them coming or going. He also said we have a ton of them in the tree in the front yard. help!
They are in my tree, how do I kill them without harming my tree?
Use fly paper. It’s cheap and it works. Hang about three on a tomato cage and put as close to entry point as possible.the paper will be filled next day.use seven dust all over the ground .The Queen goes underground for winter.you may have to do this for several days.Good luck.
Do you think duct tape would work or not sticky enough? Think I may try it until I havr s chance to get to store. Also still not sure where in the ground the hive is.
Duct tape is not sticky enough. That sticky fly paper is MUCH stickier than any household tape we use. Thing is, once I read that some nests have 1000 wasps in them, isn’t that going to take an awful lot of sticky fly paper? And you’ve got to get into the nest before they all die, because the queen will get away and hide for the winter, and then build herself another next around the same area, and you’ve got your problem all over again. I didn’t dare treat the nest I had last fall and now I know the queen is probably building another nice nest just to bother me. lol. JK, but she is.
I have them in front and back of my house up under the siding. I use fly paper, hang them ,about three on a tomato cage and place as close as you can to entry point. Works good ,takes a while but they are really attracted to the strips.I helped my neighbor last year and it worked ,seven dust helps too. You won’t believe how many get stuck,it’s gross. Good luck.
We have a large yellow jackets nest hanging in our out building, went out to spray them at night to see that their was like 100 I guess guard bees on the outside of the nest, what can we do?
I’m an entomologist and have dealt with yellow jackets for years. I usually find their nests while I mow my lawn. I have a large lawn and have been stung often. Best way to get the nest is work at night, they’re all in there. Long sleeve shirt/jacket, slip up and pour 1/3 cup or about 20ml of gasoline in the hole and leave rapidly. Next day nest is dead. Been using this method for years and it always works. Yes, there is a small dead spot where the gas was poured but you can repair the spot later.
You do mean gas and no fire, right?
Just gas?
YES, YES, DO NOT LIGHT, JUST WALK AWAY. Most think you light the gas but it’s the fumes that kill out the nest. Works every time. The small amount will do the job.
I has some in the wall of the barn and I usually put some 7-10% at the hole in the ground but I hooked up a small shop vac at the hole in the wall and sucked them up as they came out just after daylight. I put 7 dust in the vac a few hours later and let them die in the hot sun. I then sprayed the hole with brake wash several times and so far so good after 4 days. Brake wash from ZEP is fantastic for bees. NO residue but violently flammable.
It won’t kill my hemlock tree will it
I saw a swarm last fall in the tall grass by my driveway. The grass is too tall for me to find a hole. I’m wondering if my dad should bring his bee suit and cut the grass down so I can find the hole. Any thoughts?
Hi Bill, I’d appreciate your advice! We had a professional out to exterminate what (it turns out) must have been a huge yellowjacket nest in our wall, with the wasps having access to the attic, and through light fixtures, electrical panel, etc., access to inside the house. He sprayed – I’m not sure what, something that would kill them and where the wasps would transfer it to each other. It was treated on 7/29, so we’re on day 19. The exterminator said they’d be gone in 7-10 days, then 14 days, and so on. He’s confident the queen is dead. We’re still getting wasps inside every day. We’ve nicknamed them “crawlers”, because they can barely fly if at all, and you can basically just pick them up with a paper towel. There’s no flying activity near the entrance to the nest. Do you think there’s somehow still a queen laying eggs, then the newly-emerged adults get sick from the remaining poison? Or could there still be some laid before we treated that are still emerging from their pupal cases? I’m having a hard time figuring out how long they pupate this time of year. Thanks in advance for your help!
Oops! I meant Joseph!
Our country way to rid ourselves of yellow jacket ground nests is the same. Fill a 16 ounce water or pop bottle with gas, quickly place it upside down in the hole, and get away quickly. No fire needed. The gas fumes will do the job.
i poured gasoline in their hole in late afternoon when they weren’t active and lit it on fire. They weren’t happy.
I have a wasp nest in the siding of my house. How do I kill it and them off? I have already been spraying nightly where we see them going into the siding of the house but we are obviously not getting to the nest because they are still there the next day. We have hung 2 different types of bait traps and nothing goes into them.
Steps: MUST BE AT NIGHT!!!
1.) fix a large garden hose or flexible pipe to exhaust pipe.(I use my tractor but a car will work just fine).
2.) prepare a spade shovel with good wet mud.
3.) feed/cram hose or flexible pipe down hole as far as you can.
4.) as soon as the hose can not go any farther, pack that thick wet mud on the hole around the pipe. Make sure its good and thick. Pile it up.
5.). Crank vehicle immediately and rev the hell out of it. Do it for awhile.
They’ll be pissed at first but if done right, they can’t get out and will shortly die from oxygen loss.
I flush out mice with this same method. They don’t die. They have several escape routes but its runs them out so my dog gets rid of them.
IN THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE
DO NOT SPRAY THE MOULDING WITH A KILLER. IT JUST FORCES THEM DIPPER INTO THE HOUSE
Best way to deal with them in your siding/moulding is to hang up a yellow jacket trap. DO NOT USE THAT CRAPPY BAIT THEY GIVE YOU.
Instead make your own. I mix whiskey with honey. They love that crap. Beer works too. Must be the sugars and yeast but either one works ten times better than that junk that comes with the trap. For awhile I was getting the trap full everyday for several days. It began to taper off but I kept doing it for a other month after it slowed up. After awhile that month I had no more jacket issues. Even if its just to tie you over til the best dies it keeps the jacket population way down and less active.
Drew- what do U put the whiskey/honey mix in? Just an open pan & they drown? Or?
I think he means he uses a store bought trap they are basicly a jar with lid with holes they can go in but can’t get back out.
How do you make the trap for the bees I have them on the side of my house but clost to the ground.
Thanks
Have A Bless Day
Take a tomato cage and tie three or 2 fly paper strip to it (Raid) put as close to nest entry as possible.
I’m not for sure what these are but to me look like a hornet yellow jack these are tiny they get into my pool and one of these tiny bugs can sting more than once I have holes all over my yard so I know their in the ground last year I spent 100.00 in wasp spray in all the holes I could find but still couldn’t get reed of them even took some to extension center but no answers does yellow jackets live in ground and are very tiny?
Thanks for all the company. I’ve been killing these pest 10 -12 at a time. I think they have a nest just outside the upstairs hall wall window. I’ve put plastic over the window (didn’t help) have been killing and spaying them at night like crazy; they are moving slow but there was one last night that was moving a little quicker and buzzing. I sprayed the heck out of it and thought I smashed it good but it must be part cat. Hopefully it died over night. Are the any other tips out there!!!!
I believe the darned things have nested between the siding near my daughters room. Thou I have sprayed they have now began to enter into the house from SOME WHERE. I am at a loss. This is crazy to have to kill 20 of em every night is too much. It’s fall Daing it!
same problem as luisa bees in house kill them often been going on for about 3 weeks I think they have nest in attic that has no access we have stopped up several holes but still cant find out how they are getting in any help at all
I just saw your post!!!!! We are facing the same thing! Yellow jackets in our bedroom for the past few nights. How did you rid yourself of them? It’s January here in Mississippi and this week been in the 20’s at night so what the heck????
I have a nest inside the molding around the outside of my front door. My husband sprayed the heck out it last night with some foam..used 2 whole cans of it. About an hour later, my husband calls me out into the garage to show me on the outside of the screen door, a huge (what I believe was the queen) yellow jacket pacing back and forth, trying to desperately find a way in at 11:45 at night! He sprayed her through the screen and squashed her. Thinking this would be over now, I walked out front this morning and saw yellow jackets flying in and out of the molding like nothing ever happened…wth! I hate bees!!
I have a nest outside my door too. We have used 3 cans of stuff from the store and have sealed around all the open areas that we could see. I am concerned because it is right by the keypad for the garage and I have a son that comes home from school and gets in the house that way… and I have two small dogs that go in and out of the house that way.. UGH!!!!!!
I am assuming if you call a professional and they made an appointment for 9:30 AM it is just to see where the nest is located. My understanding is you have to work at night so the bees are in the nest and not during the day. We have three places between the foundation and house where bees are entering. One is right by our kitchen door and daughter’s dog was already bitten last year and went into shock. Scary. We have two dogs that come to work with us everyday, using the same door and want the nests gone. Tried to do it ourselves for two seasons now and no luck.
Simple way is pour some bleach in the hole then add ammonia and walk away fast. Works every time. Do it at night when they are all home. Watch out for the all night guards they have.
You should see a little smoke. I am not for killing but the
ground bees come after you for no reason so you have to get
rid of them or stay inside all summer.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Bleach and Ammonia Mixing bleach and ammonia is extremely dangerous, since toxic vapors will be produced. The primary toxic chemical formed by the reaction is chloramine vapor, with a potential for hydrazine formation. Here’s a look at the chemical reactions involved in mixing bleach and ammonia, as well as some first aid advice if you accidentally become exposed to a bleach and ammonia mixture.
This mixture is extremely poisonous CAUTION!!!