How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets

Have you been tormented by yellow jackets buzzing around your house? Do you cringe every time you hear that familiar humming sound? If you’re wondering how to get rid of yellow jackets safely and effectively, Dominion Pest Control’s skilled exterminators are here to help. Or for a more temporary solution, you can try some DIY tips. Read on to learn more.

Bees vs. Yellow Jackets: What’s the Difference?

First things first: Let’s clear up any confusion between yellow jackets and bees. These two insects may look similar, but they are actually quite different. Here are some ways to distinguish between the two:

1. Appearance:

Yellowjackets (a type of wasp) have a smooth, bright yellow and black patterned body with a defined waist; on the other hand, bees have a fuzzier, rounder appearance and an orange-brown color.

2. Behavior:

Yellowjackets are notoriously aggressive, especially if their nests are disturbed. They can sting multiple times and will chase threats away from their nest. Bees, however, are generally more docile and only sting when they feel threatened. They often die as a result, since their stingers are left behind.

3. Nesting Habitats:

Yellowjackets prefer to nest in dark, secluded areas. You can usually find them underground or within walls, making them a common household nuisance. Meanwhile, bees build their hives in trees and in other elevated locations.

4. Diet:

Yellowjackets are omnivorous, feeding on insects, carrion, and sugary substances; this is why you often see them at picnics or at outdoor events. Bees are vegetarians, feeding primarily on pollen and nectar from flowers.

So why is it important to know the difference? When dealing with an infestation, the strategies to eliminate yellow jackets are typically different from those used for bees. For example, our team at

Dominion does everything we can to save honeybees (a major source of agricultural pollination) by working directly with beekeepers. Meanwhile, we employ more aggressive techniques to get rid of yellow jackets.

Understanding which insect you’re dealing with can help to determine the best course of action for elimination.

 

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets on Your Own

A Word of Caution

If you have a yellow jacket infestation in your home or yard, you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands. However, keep in mind that yellow jackets are known for their aggressive behavior when they perceive a threat to their nest. Trying to kill them on your own can provoke a swarm of yellow jackets to attack you, leading to multiple painful stings that can trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Moreover, self-extermination often fails to kill the nest’s queen, allowing the colony to quickly replenish its numbers.

For these reasons, it is strongly advised to let a professional like Dominion Pest Control handle the situation; we’re equipped with the right tools, protective gear, and expertise to eradicate yellow jackets safely and effectively.

Killing Yellowjackets with DIY Methods

If you still want to try your hand at getting rid of yellowjackets on your property, please remember that most over-the-counter products are designed as a “quick-kill” and are usually highly repellent, causing yellow jackets to create a back door into the house after their main entrance begins to radiate from products that have repelling properties.

Remember, while DIY methods may seem attractive, they can pose significant risks and often fail to provide a long-term solution. When dealing with an infestation of aggressive insects like yellowjackets, it’s always better to contact a professional like Dominion Pest Control.

How to Kill Yellow Jackets Once and for All

Eliminating Yellow Jackets with Advanced Products and Techniques

At Dominion Pest Control, our approach to yellow jacket eradication prioritizes safety, sustainability, and long-term effectiveness. We invest in advanced solutions to protect to your family, pets, and the environment. Here’s how we do it:

Dominion specializes in using products that avoid pushing yellow jackets into your home, as most over-the-counter products do. Utilizing insects’ habits of touching each other to communicate and share food (trophallaxis), Dominion’s products penetrate the colony and kill the Queen – in turn, killing the entire colony. This method reduces the risk of “break-through,” where yellow jackets chew through walls and enter the home. This is often caused by store bought products that are highly repellent and “push” them into the home.

Preventive Measures: After the infestation is controlled, we focus on preventive measures. These may include sealing potential entry points or treating eaves and other methods of entry on a regular basis with insecticide applications.

Controlling Large Yellow Jackets in PA

We know what a nuisance large yellow jackets such as hornets and European hornets can be – especially in central PA. That’s why our team at Dominion Pest Control believes in comprehensive solutions. Once we successfully eliminate the yellow jackets from your property, our job doesn’t end there. If you live in Lancaster County or York County, you can take advantage of our ongoing maintenance services and regular inspections.

Our trained professionals conduct periodic checks, looking for signs of new infestations, identifying potential nesting spots, and sealing off any new entry points. Our maintenance services also include the application of preventive treatments around your property, creating a barrier against yellow jackets and other pests.

With Dominion Pest Control, you get the peace of mind knowing that your home is in trusted hands, continuously protected against yellow jackets and other unwanted guests.

Call us today at (717) 393-7879 or contact us here to get started.