How to get Rid of paper Wasps and Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets and paper wasps are by far the most troublesome group, especially ground- and cavity-nesting ones such as the western yellow jacket, which tend to defend their nests vigorously when disturbed. Defensive behavior increases as the season progresses and colony populations become larger while food becomes scarcer.
In fall, foraging yellow jackets are primarily scavengers, and they start to show up at picnics and barbecues, around garbage cans, at dishes of dog or cat food placed outside, and where ripe or overripe fruit are accessible. At certain times and places, the number of scavenger wasps can be quite large. Paper wasps are much less defensive and rarely sting humans. They tend to shy away from human activity except when their nests are located near doors, windows, or other high-traffic areas.
Seasonal Behavior and Hazards of wasps
In spring and early summer, yellow jackets are carnivores, feeding mostly on insects to provide protein to developing larvae in their colony. In doing so, they help keep garden pests, such as caterpillars, in check. As the season progresses, their population grows and their diet changes to include more sugars. As natural food sources become scarce, they turn to scavenging, and that’s when you’ll find them lurking around garbage cans and pestering picnickers. A few yellow jackets here and there are a nuisance, but a nest of them in your yard can pose a real hazard.
Wasps, particularly species like yellow jackets and paper wasps, exhibit seasonal behavior patterns that can significantly impact outdoor activities and safety. In the spring and early summer, wasps are largely beneficial to gardens, as they feed on other insects to provide protein to their growing larvae. This predatory behavior helps control pest populations, such as caterpillars and aphids.
However, as the season progresses and the colony expands, wasps’ dietary needs shift, and they begin to seek out sugars and carbohydrates, often scavenging near human food sources like garbage bins, picnics, and outdoor gatherings. By late summer and early fall, wasp colonies can contain thousands of aggressive individuals that are easily provoked, especially when defending their nests.
Yellow jackets, for example, often build nests in concealed areas like underground burrows, in walls, or under eaves, posing an even greater threat as their numbers swell. Vibrations from lawn equipment or sudden movement can trigger swarming attacks, as wasps will chase and sting perceived threats repeatedly.
Their defensive nature and the potential for multiple stings make large wasp colonies a serious hazard, especially for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to wasp venom. Recognizing these seasonal behavior patterns can help in preventing accidental encounters and managing wasp populations safely around homes and public areas.
Identifying and Avoiding Aggressive Yellow Jacket Nests
Yellow jackets often nest underground in rodent burrows, so if you see lots of flying insects emerging from a hole in the ground, they’re probably yellow jackets. By late summer, a colony may contain thousands of individuals that will aggressively defend their nests from intruders. They’re easily provoked and will attack in force, chasing the perceived threat for large distances. What’s worse, each yellow jacket can sting multiple times. Sounds and vibrations, such as those from a mower or trimmer, can trigger an attack, even from a distance.