Q&A for How to Kill Yellow Jackets

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.

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.

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.

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.

Typically they would leave to go find a new queen and start a new life there, otherwise they may fly off somewhere and die.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Call an exterminator. They should be able to find the nest and eliminate it for you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are many animals that eat yellow jackets: fish, frogs, birds and occasionally even snakes will eat wasps when given the opportunity.

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.