Yellow Jackets: Stinging Fall Bugs to Watch Out For

Most stinging bugs are associated with the spring and summer, but Yellow Jackets can actually stick around late into the fall in Alabama. Let’s take a look at the issue of Yellow Jackets being present in autumn, signs to watch out for and what to do to get them off your property.

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Why Yellow Jackets are Still Around in November

Yellow Jackets are a type of social wasp, but you wouldn’t know it by the way the little buggers act. These insects can be quite aggressive, especially if you’re around their nest, and they aren’t afraid to sting multiple times to run off a perceived predator.

During the spring and summer they aren’t so bad, because Yellow Jackets are typically carnivorous and will feed on garden pests. As long as their ground-level nest isn’t near a high traffic area and the colony isn’t too big, you can possibly coexist without any issues. However, as the colony grows, the weather cools off and the rest of the bugs settle in for the winter the Yellow Jacket’s eating habits change. In early fall when their population has peaked Yellow Jackets become scavengers seeking out sugary food. That’s why you may start seeing more Yellow Jackets around your garbage and outdoor living spaces in the fall.

Unlike other insects, queens with eggs are the only Yellow Jackets that overwinter. The rest of the colony, including the previous queen, will die off as it gets colder. If it’s a mild fall this process takes longer, and you’ll still see a number of Yellow Jackets well into November.

Signs That You Have a Fall Yellow Jacket Problem

The most obvious sign of a Yellow Jacket colony is the presence of the insects around your doors, deck, garbage and front porch. They will be particularly pesky when there are sugary foods and beverages around like sodas, fruit, juices, candy, etc.

Another instance where you’ll see Yellow Jackets get stirred up is when you’re maintaining the yard. These aggressive buggers will charge out of their nests when they feel the vibration of lawn mowers or weed eaters near their nests. Usually they nest at or near ground level in old rodent holes or tree stumps so watch out for activity at ground level.

If you have honeybees on your property you’re also likely to see Yellow Jackets circling the honeybee hives. Yellow Jackets are attracted to the honey and will do what they can to get in the hive to feed. For beekeepers this is a major problem, but for avid gardeners it can also be a nuisance.

Getting Rid of Yellow Jackets in the Fall

Yellow Jackets can be aggressive, which can make them difficult to get rid of any time of the year. Fortunately, as we get deeper into fall there should be fewer Yellow Jackets to worry about. Some solutions for getting rid of them include:

  • Clean up food and beverages – If you relax out on the deck or have a picnic clean up frequently, tie up garbage bags tight and use containers with lids whenever possible.
  • Put out fake Yellow Jacket nests – Despite being labeled social, Yellow Jackets do not like being around other insects’ nests.
  • Use insecticide at night – You can purchase insecticide that is specifically formulated for Yellow Jackets. However, because Yellow Jackets pose a threat, extreme caution should be used and insecticide should only be applied at night when the bugs are least active.
  • Set traps – Another way to get rid of Yellow Jackets is to capture them with traps. They work by attracting Yellow Jackets with a sugary substance, so placement is important.

If you have a large colony of Yellow Jackets that are sticking around during the fall or have made a home in your home, it may be time to call a professional pest control company. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. can help Alabama residents safely and effectively get rid of Yellow Jackets so you can spend the rest of fall relaxing outside instead of avoiding the outdoors.

 

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-profiles/yellow-jackets-stinging-fall-bugs-watch/