Yellow jackets are great natural pest controllers, but they can be considered pests themselves. They are very aggressive, and will defend their nest at all costs. One of the most common nesting spots of yellow jackets is in the ground. So, how do you get rid of yellow jackets in the ground, especially if they are near your property?
What do yellow jackets and their nests look like?
First, you have to know what you are actually dealing with. Yellow jackets are wasps with black and yellow stripes. They have elongated and hairless bodies. They are the exact opposite of bees, who have round and hairy bodies.
Yellow jacket nests look like several layers of comb. They are made of wood fiber and yellow jacket saliva, so they have a paper-like consistency.
Where do yellow jackets nest?
Different yellow jacket species have different nesting spot preferences. But the most prominent yellow jackets, such as the common yellow jacket (Vespula vulgaris), the Western yellow jacket (Vespula pensylvanica), and the Eastern yellow jacket (Vespula maculifrons), commonly nest in the ground.
There are species that make aerial nests too. For example, the German yellow jacket (Vespula germanica) can nest in attics, porches, and wall cracks. The common yellow jacket can nest above-ground too.
How do you get rid of a yellow jacket nest in the ground?
Does your property have yellow jackets in the ground? There is no doubt that you should get rid of these pests. Their stings are dangerous and painful. For most people, the stings can be treated by over-the-counter medication or some home remedies. But for some people, the stings can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Here are different ways to get rid of yellow jackets in the ground. They may be repeated multiple times to fully get rid of the infestation.
Pour soapy water into the nest
Insecticides are very effective, but they have one downside – they have toxic chemicals that can be harmful to you and your family. If you don’t want the risk associated with toxic chemicals, you can try soapy water to get rid of the yellow jackets.
There is no specific ratio. Simply mix some dish soap or liquid laundry detergent and water. Stir until the solution is soapy. Pour the solution directly into the nest in the ground. For a more efficient pouring, put the solution in a watering can with a long and thin nozzle. Follow it up with some hot water to drive the solution deeper into the nest.
Spray insecticide in the nest entrance
Insecticides may have toxic chemicals, but they are very effective against yellow jackets. You can be safe from the toxicity if you follow the instructions on the insecticide’s label. Also, remember that insecticides are heavily regulated by the government. Most if not all of the insecticides you will see in the market are registered and safe.
Acephate, carbaryl, diazinon, and tetramethrin are just some of the active ingredients you should look for in a yellow jacket insecticide. Simply spray the insecticide directly into the nest entrance in the ground. Make sure to use a generous amount to let it seep through the entire nest.
Set up baits and traps around your property
Baits and traps are great, especially if you can’t find the yellow jacket nest in the ground. Simply place the baits and traps around your property, particularly in areas where you see a lot of yellow jacket activity.
Most of these usually come in the form of bait stations, so technically, you can just call them traps. These stations will have sweet baits that will attract yellow jackets and either poison them or trap them in a mechanism. Make sure to place your bait stations on spots where children and pets won’t be able to reach them.
Get professional help
Yellow jackets can be very dangerous. Unlike bees, they can sting you multiple times because they don’t leave their stingers in your skin. If they feel threatened, they will not hesitate to attack. So, if you feel like the yellow jackets on your property are too difficult for you to handle yourself, don’t hesitate to get professional help.
Professional pest controllers don’t read articles online on how to get rid of yellow jackets and they have the proper equipment to solve your problems efficiently.
Are there other useful tips you can follow?
You can use one or more of the methods enumerated above to effectively get rid of yellow jackets in the ground. And here are some other useful tips that can make these methods even more effective.
- Locate the yellow jacket nest during the day. Yellow jackets are at their most active during daytime. So, if you are trying to find the yellow jacket nest near your home, do it during the day. Just follow the yellow jackets buzzing around your property. At least one of them will lead you back to their colony.
- Get rid of the nest at nighttime. Yellow jackets are at their most inactive during nighttime. It’s best to get rid of the nest during this period to catch the pests off-guard and limit their reaction. But remember to bring a flashlight with you to accurately see the nest entrance if you plan to use soapy water or insecticide.
- Wear protective clothing. Cover everything you can cover while you are out there trying to get rid of the nest. Cover your arms and legs. Use face masks, goggles, and gloves too. These will protect you not just from yellow jacket stings, but also from the toxic chemicals in the insecticide.
- Avoid fragrances and scents in the meantime. Yellow jackets are attracted to sweets, and that includes fragrances and scents. These are not just perfumes. They are also the scents in your soap, shampoo, lotion, and other grooming items. Don’t use them in the meantime to avoid attracting the yellow jackets to you.
Get rid of yellow jackets in the ground now
The most common yellow jacket species live in the ground. If you are suffering from such an infestation, there are a lot of ways to get rid of the pests. But be careful in executing these methods. They can put you at risk of toxic chemicals and yellow jacket stings.
If you think your yellow jacket problem is beyond you, get the help of professional pest controllers. Stop the pests from thriving on your property and get rid of them for good.