Yellowjackets are often seen as pests, but they also play an important role in controlling insect populations around home gardens and agricultural areas. At Armor Termite, we’ve seen a rise in yellowjacket activity in Mt. Juliet, TN, especially as the seasons change from summer to fall. In this post, we’ll help you understand more about these stinging insects, their behaviors, and what you can do to stay safe.
What Are Yellowjackets?
Yellowjackets are flying insects that have a black and yellow banded abdomen and a very narrow “waist,” giving them a sleek, aggressive appearance. While they look similar to bees and wasps, yellowjackets can be more aggressive, especially when protecting their nests. Some species also display white or red markings, but their common yellow and black color pattern is what makes them easily recognizable.
Where Do Yellowjackets Nest?
In Mt. Juliet, yellowjackets are commonly found nesting in soil cavities, such as abandoned gopher holes or hollow trees, but they also like to nest in attics, porches, eaves, or sheds. These nests are made of a paper-like material that the insects create from chewed-up wood fibers, and they can be located underground or in aerial locations like trees or buildings.
Their nests are often hidden, and disturbing them, whether during yard work or a fun day outside, can lead to serious problems. Armor Termite recommends caution and professional intervention if a nest is spotted on your property.
Why Are Yellowjackets Dangerous?
While yellowjackets are usually beneficial during the spring and early summer—feeding on other insect pests like caterpillars—by late summer and early fall, their food sources change, and they start scavenging for human foods like sugary drinks and meats. At this time, their aggressive behavior peaks, and they are much more likely to sting when provoked or threatened.
Yellowjackets are extremely territorial, and if their nest is disturbed, they can sting multiple times without leaving a stinger behind. This makes them much more dangerous than bees, and their stings can be very painful. For people allergic to yellowjacket venom, a sting can result in severe reactions, including anaphylaxis—a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Preventing Yellowjacket Problems in Mt. Juliet
The best way to avoid yellowjacket issues is through prevention and awareness. If you’re outside, especially during the late summer and fall, take these steps to stay safe:
- Be mindful of nests: Yellowjackets often build nests in unexpected places, including underground and in wall voids or sheds. If you spot a nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Yellowjackets will defend their territory aggressively.
- Keep food covered: Yellowjackets are attracted to sugary foods and drinks. If you’re enjoying an outdoor meal or picnic, make sure to cover food and drinks.
- Protect sensitive areas: If you encounter yellowjackets, move slowly and cover sensitive areas like your face. Fast movements will only provoke them.
- Be alert when driving: If yellowjackets or other stinging insects get inside your vehicle, pull over safely and open the windows and doors to allow them to escape.
What To Do If You Get Stung
If you or someone you’re with gets stung by a yellowjacket, it’s important to monitor for allergic reactions. Unlike bees, yellowjackets can sting repeatedly, so the pain can be intense. Those who are allergic to stings should always carry a sting treatment kit and seek immediate medical attention if swelling, breathing issues, or other symptoms occur. Remember, even if you’ve never had a reaction before, you can become hypersensitive to yellowjacket venom over time.
How Armor Termite Can Help
At Armor Termite, we specialize in safely handling yellowjacket infestations in Mt. Juliet, TN, and surrounding areas. Attempting to remove a nest on your own could provoke an attack, sending yellowjackets swarming around your home or yard. Professional pest control is essential for the safe removal of yellowjacket nests, especially if they’re located near areas where you and your family spend time.
Our trained technicians have the experience and equipment necessary to eliminate yellowjacket nests without putting you or your home at risk. Whether they’ve built their nests underground or in the eaves of your house, we know how to handle even the most aggressive infestations.
Get Professional Help with Yellowjackets in Mt. Juliet
If you think you have a yellowjacket nest on your property, don’t wait until someone gets stung. Contact Armor Termite today for a professional inspection and safe removal of these pests. We proudly serve the Mt. Juliet community, providing reliable and effective pest control services to keep your home and yard safe year-round.
Stay protected this fall—let Armor Termite handle the yellowjackets, so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces worry-free.
By Bryan Crabtree
9/24/2024