Yellow Jackets
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Yellow Jackets
 Yellow Jacket adults of this wasp are winged, with conspicuous yellow and black markings, and grow up to ¾ in. (2cm) long. They construct large, papery nests in cavities in the soil, walls, buildings and compost piles. Early in the year yellow jackets are valuable predators, feeding their young on small caterpillars and other pests.Unfortunately, in late summer and early fall when their populations peak, the yellow jackets’ normal insect diet disappears and their feeding habits become a problem to man. At this time of year, the yellow jacket has an appetite for much the same food and drink as those consumed by man. Also, yellow jacket stings can result in a life-threatening situation, especially if the person is allergic to yellow jacket venom. Most wasps are killed by frosts in autumn. Queen wasps overwinter in dry protected areas such as outbuildings, sheds, and under loose bark of trees. Susceptible Plants- include ripening fruits of apples, pears, grapes, peaches, and plums. Symptoms- Holes in ripening fruit in summer and early autumn, usually extending damage caused by other factors. The stems of dahlias may be damaged and in dry weather the pods of runner beans may be damaged by the yellow jackets scraping at them with their mouthparts. Prevention and Control - Tolerate yellow jackets where possible. Protect fruits with bags made of of muslin, nylon tights, or similar. If absolutely necessary, accessible nest can be destroyed. This is best done after dark, and should not be considered if you are allergic to wasps. Pay very strict attention to safety; keep not only children but pets well away. Full protective clothing must be worn to cover every part of the body. Knock aerial nests into a plastic bag. Tie tightly and place in freezer to kill the yellow jackets. Nest in the ground or in compost piles cam be sealed by placing a glass bowl over the entrance, them pushing into the earth to seal it. Yellow jackets will starve in a few weeks. The safest option for yellow jacket removal is to call a pest-control expert. Ask them to use a soap or synthetic pyrethroid spray, rather than carbonate or organophosphate compounds.
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