Remember the kid that picked on everyone in middle school?
Now picture that kid times a thousand. Being harassed by one bully is bad enough, but a thousand? It’s the stuff of nightmares.
That’s exactly what yellow jackets are — the bullies of the insect community. They’re not here to make friends; they’re here to attack anything or anyone who stands in their way.
As the fall season approaches, yellow jackets start to go crazy from starvation due to diminishing food sources. Their favorite victims are the poor honeybees, often eating them, their larvae, and their honey. (Like we said, bullies.)
Since hunger drives them out of their nests in a fury, you’re more likely to run into them — and it won’t be a pleasant encounter. Nothing ruins a walk in the crisp, fall air like the sting of a hangry wasp.
If you’re in northern Virginia or southern Maryland, fall temperatures are just around the corner, along with the potential for a yellow jacket problem.
Here’s how to get rid of yellow jackets that are invading your property:
Create a Trap
There are a variety of yellow jacket traps on the market that include effective chemicals, but why not try creating one of your own?
Grab a two-liter bottle, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, one banana peel (they’re attracted to decaying fruit), and 4 cups of water. Pour the sugar and 1/2 cup of water into the bottle and shake it up. Add the apple cider vinegar and banana peel, then more water until the bottle is about halfway full.
Cut a small hole in the top half of the bottle and put it near the nest (if you’re able to locate it), but far enough away from wherever your family gathers.
Voila! You now have a yellow jacket trap.
Spray Them with Soapy Water
You’ve made the trap, now make the spray!
Mix equal parts water and dish soap in a spray bottle capable of firing from longer distances. Keep it by your side if you know yellow jackets will be around to ruin your good time.
If you see one flying around, spray it! From a distance, of course. The soapy water weighs down their wings, causing them to fall and essentially drown.
Call the Professionals to Get Rid of Nests
Yellowjackets build nests in trees, underground, or in the eaves and crevices of homes. While you can try to destroy them on your own, it’s incredibly dangerous.
Killing one yellow jacket causes it to release a chemical that signals the others to take charge. Trying to wipe out an entire nest is a disaster waiting to happen.
If you’re compelled to try anyway, be sure to wear protective clothing (no exposed skin), stand as far away as possible, and spray it using a hose or the soapy water solution. Plan to attack in the dark since they won’t be able to locate and sting you as easily.
We’re Here to Help You Get Rid of Yellow Jackets
If you’re a resident of northern Virginia or southern Maryland, we’re at your service! Knowing how to get rid of yellow jackets on your own is helpful, but it doesn’t always work — that’s where we come in.
Planet Friendly Pest Control helps eliminate the threat of insects such as yellow jackets while keeping your family safe with eco-friendly treatments. Contact us today for a consultation.
