Yellow jackets belong to the wasp family, which you can find commonly in your yard or around your house during summer or fall. They build nests and live in large colonies. Since they look a lot like bees, it is easy to make a mistake when trying to identify them. However, in order to eradicate them from your property, it is essential to know their appearance and habits.
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How to prevent a yellow jacket infestation?
- High-protein foods like pet foods or meat should be kept indoors to prevent yellow jackets from entering your home.
- Limit sugar usage in the fall season as yellow jackets become more fond of sweet foods during this season.
- Make sure to seal your trash cans.
- Clean up the place after picnics and leave crumpled paper bags outside your doors. Yellow jackets will see them as nests and seek out other areas.
- Cracks or crevices serve as their breeding place. Therefore, make sure to seal such spaces as soon as possible.
However, if these pests still invade your home, it is highly advisable to seek professional help as they have specialized equipment to help you get rid of these damage-causing pests. To prevent yellow jackets from returning, clean up or change the environment by cutting branches or trees where their nests previously existed.
How do you identify yellow jackets?
Yellow jackets belong to the wasp genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. People often confuse it with other wasp species, like hornets, which have larger heads. These wasps are only a half-inch long and have long, dark wings and bands of yellow and black on them. Sometimes, they are also mistaken for bees because of their similar color and size.
Female yellow jackets are more dangerous as they can sting more than once without dying, unlike the bees. However, you are not defenseless against these pests. It is possible to kill them.
What do yellow jackets eat?
Yellow jackets are found worldwide, and about 16 species are found in the United States alone. Adult yellow jackets love to feed on sugary foods like flower nectar, fruits, and sometimes soda when they see an open can, just like other flying insects.
Yellow jackets start consuming protein in their larvae stage. This feature distinguishes them from other insects. To feed the larvae, workers return to the nest with various kinds of meat and insects.
Although most homeowners see yellow jackets as pests, they actually play a significant role in controlling other garden pests because of their diet.
