Q&A for How to Kill Yellow Jackets

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  • Question
    What's the best type of bait to use in a yellow jacket trap?
    Chris Parker
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.
    Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
    Expert Answer
    There are commercially available pheromone lures specifically formulated for yellow jackets. Those will work better than any kind of bait that you would find in your kitchen.
  • Question
    If the yellow jackets can't go back in the nest, do they die or relocate?
    Community Answer
    Usually, they find another queen and support that nest but if not they can certainly die from exposure to the elements, particularly in the fall because of the much cooler nights. As mentioned above, they don't usually move at temps below 50°F.
  • Question
    What can I do to get rid of an underground nest other than using poison?
    Community Answer
    Wait until all the insects are inside the underground nest at night. Put a bucket or large bowl over the opening and mound dirt around the bottom rim of the bucket. Check the area the next day to see if the yellow jackets have found another exit from their nest. Wait until night and cover that hole as well. This works because yellow jackets do not excavate their own nests, they use existing holes left behind by gophers or mice. Once you have the holes covered they will die inside the nest. It's up to you when you feel like enough time has passed to remove the bucket, but I wait a couple of weeks if not longer.
  • Question
    How can I get yellow jackets out behind the wall of my house?
    Community Answer
    If you are sure you know where the nest is, it's probably because you have observed them going in and out of the nest. We had the same problem. We saw the very active hole (a small knot hole in wood siding) they were using. At night, we sprayed the hole. Obviously, that didn't work and was a waste of wasp spray. The following night we plugged the hole with a cork. I was worried that they could have another escape route (like inside the house!). They didn't. By plugging the hole at night they were trapped inside the nest and died. At least I'm assuming they died. We saw no more activity around the hole and have not removed the plug in 3 months.
  • Question
    After the nest has been removed, where do the stragglers go?
    Blue Prism
    Community Answer
    Typically they would leave to go find a new queen and start a new life there, otherwise they may fly off somewhere and die.
  • Question
    I have hummingbird feeders and they are feeding on the sugar water and keeping the hummingbirds away. How do I get rid of the bees?
    Community Answer
    Hang a trap near but not too close to the hummingbird feeder so they will be attracted to the trap and not the feeder. Another solution is to have the smell of peppermint or orange in the air but that might be difficult.
  • Question
    Can I pour gas on a yellow jacket nest that is on the ground on my lawn? And should I set it on fire after the fumes dissipate or will the gas alone kill them?
    Community Answer
    Using gasoline is a very dangerous approach; consider obtaining the services of a professional exterminator, or try one of the commercially-available products designed for killing such nests, typically available at your local hardware store.
  • Question
    Do yellow jackets that have nests in the ground have only one enter and exit hole?
    Community Answer
    No. They can have several entries and exits. You'll have to observe them carefully to find out and wear protective clothing or a beekeeper's suit.
  • Question
    I am very allergic but I can't use the EpiPen due to high blood pressure. Is there any oil I can use to keep them away?
    Community Answer
    I have the same problem. I had to change my blood pressure medication in order to be able to use the EpiPen. Ask your doctor if there is an alternative to the beta blockers that will still control your blood pressure. Peppermint or orange oil are bee repellents but if you're very allergic, having the Epi pen available is really the best option.
  • Question
    How do I destroy a nest that is in my shrub's roots without destroying the shrub?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend sticking the nozzle of a vacuum underneath the shrub and running it until all of the wasps have been sucked up into it. You can then remove the nest manually if you'd like, but be careful in case there are a few lingering wasps.
  • Question
    I have a wasp nest in my pear tree. If I spray something to kill the wasps in the nest, is it going to make my pears inedible?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you spray. If you plan on spraying something that would be toxic to humans, then I would recommend picking the pears you intend to eat first and discarding the rest. (Washing the pears might not be enough to remove all the residue of the toxic wasp killer.) If you find a wasp killer that's not toxic, then just be sure to thoroughly wash the pears before you eat them.
  • Question
    What should I do after I've gotten stung and it itches?
    Community Answer
    Apply an anti-itch ointment immediately over the bite, and try taking some Benadryl. If you have multiple stings and/or are allergic, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Question
    There is a nest that I cannot reach with the spray. How do I get rid of it?
    Community Answer
    You could use a ladder or a step stool to reach it, but it might be better to call a professional exterminator to handle it.
  • Question
    How can I get rid of yellow jackets on my back porch if I can't find their nest?
    Community Answer
    Call an exterminator to locate the nest and get rid of it. If you have kids or pets, try to keep them away from this area until the situation has been handled.
  • Question
    Is there a way to get rid of all yellow jackets in my yard if I can't find the nest?
    Community Answer
    Yes, use bait traps. Yellow jackets are "meat bees," meaning you can use meat in the bait traps. This usually works best in spring/summer. If in the fall, use sugar water, fruit juice or soda, they like carbs toward the end of their life cycle. Hang traps away from the areas of the yard you frequent. Replace the bait every few days, as bees do not like rancid meat or old juice, only fresh.
  • Question
    What do I do if I can't find the nest and they keep coming back?
    Community Answer
    Call an exterminator. They should be able to find the nest and eliminate it for you.
  • Question
    The nest is in the crawlspace under my mobile home. I have the general location, but even when I find it, it will be difficult to attack. Any suggestions?
    Community Answer
    Wear double pants and double shirts. Cover your face with goggles and a breathing mask. Cover your head and ears with a beanie. Cover your neck with a scarf. Go under the trailer and get busy. Start banging the pipes with a hammer. Wasps hate the sound of a hammer. They will leave you alone. When you get to the nest, hit it with a hammer to open it up, then spray the heck out of it.
  • Question
    How can I get yellow jackets to take a toxin back to the nest?
    Community Answer
    If you know the entrance/exit routs and the configuration is a somewhat flat surface, take a small box (like a cigar box or similar), cut a hole that fits over their entry and another at the other end. Cover the bottom with a powdered insecticide (i.e. Seven) and close it up and place it over their hole(s). They will find the new entrance eventually and, not flying in the darkened box interior, crawl across the insecticide, dragging it into the nest. Game over.
  • Question
    Would it be better to destroy a nest located unheated shop during the winter?
    Pmcglynn3
    Community Answer
    Yes. Yellow jackets only live through the summer. They die when the temperatures drop, so winter is the best time to get rid of the nest. Approach with caution, though, as there may be a small number of survivors.
  • Question
    What are the best inert substances I can use to attract yellow jackets? I know that meat and sugary items will work, but is there anything else I can use?
    Community Answer
    You may use vinegar water as well. It is very cheap and effective, but we don't really know why they are attracted to it.
  • Question
    What are the predators of yellow jackets?
    Community Answer
    There are many animals that eat yellow jackets: fish, frogs, birds and occasionally even snakes will eat wasps when given the opportunity.
  • Question
    Can I add orange or peppermint oil to my paint to repel yellow jackets?
    Community Answer
    Technically yes, but the paint will significantly reduce the effect of the oil on the wasps. Peppermint oil is very concentrated and has a sharp scent, which is what repels wasps. Mixing it with paint will make it less powerful, however, and thus it will have little to no effect on the wasps.
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