Living with Yellowjackets: What You Need to Know

If you live in Florida, you’ve most likely encountered the aggressive insect called the yellowjacket.  These insects have a fierce painful sting and typically sting numerous times when they attack you.  Due to the warm weather yellowjackets are extremely active in the spring and summer months, so now is the time to be prepared for yellowjackets. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about yellowjackets.

What do Yellowjackets look like and how do I spot their nest?

While yellowjackets are often mistaken as a honeybee due to their similar colorations, yellowjackets are actually wasps. The yellowjackets we have in Florida are yellow and black in color. A straightforward way to differentiate a yellowjacket from a honeybee is the shine from the insect.  Yellowjackets are shiner and hairless whereas honeybees have a fuzzier look to them. Another distinctive feature of the yellowjacket is its small waist. Yellowjackets make their nest in yard shrubs, trees, and inside areas that are sheltered from predators. The nest can be found both above and below ground making them difficult to spot. The nest has several layers of paper pulp and resembles the honeybee’s comb. 

Do yellow jackets sting?

Yellowjackets definitely sting! They can sting repeatedly because they don’t lose their stinger.  Their stinger is lance like with microscopic barb and they often bite before they sting. The insect is aggressive by nature and when it gets hurt it releases an “alert hormone”. The “alert hormone” alerts other yellowjackets come to their defense.  The yellowjacket does not need to be provoked to sting, and they are known to sting for no apparent reason.  They will also sting if they feel their nest is threatened, making it difficult to for you to avoid because their nests are so concealed on your property.

What attracts yellow jackets and how do I get rid of them?

Yellowjackets are mostly attracted to sap, anything sweet, and nectar.  They will be attracted to any outdoor recreational event that involves food.  Yellowjackets can ruin an outdoor event fast!  Not only will your outdoor event be tarnished, the yellowjackets will be fostering a brand-new generation of yellowjackets at your expense. You don’t want these insects crashing your party.  The best way to handle yellowjackets is to hire a professional pest control company.  Leave it to the professionals to handle all safety protocols in a quick and effective manner with first-rate equipment and expertise needed for this job.

Russell Pest Solutions offers one of the most comprehensive treatment packages available to protect your home or office against pests and rodents.

Questions? Looking for more information about Yellowjackets or interested in scheduling an inspection? Give Russell Pest Solutions a call at (904) 868-7378.