If you’ve noticed aggressive wasps swarming your backyard barbecue or hanging around your building’s entrance, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with yellowjackets. If you spot any, you need to safely get rid of them and call in exterminators before they become a bigger issue.
These stinging insects are among the most common, and most problematic, pests for homes and businesses in Washington State and Idaho. They’re even more of a nuisance during late summer and early fall.
Unlike bees, yellowjackets are quick to sting, highly territorial, and drawn to common foods like meat and sugary drinks. Knowing how to identify their presence and handle them correctly can help you avoid painful stings, and prevent a small problem from turning into a full-blown infestation.
The Signs of Nearby Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets don’t just buzz around aimlessly. If you see several in a specific area, especially near the ground, roofline, or a wall, it’s a strong sign a nest is nearby. Here are some red flags to watch for:
- Increased yellowjacket activity in a concentrated location.
- Wasps entering and exiting holes in the ground, siding, or soffits.
- Buzzing or scratching sounds inside walls or ceilings.
- Aggressive behavior when people get close to a particular area.
Yellowjacket nests can grow quickly and house thousands of workers by late summer. They’re often found in hidden or hard-to-reach spots like abandoned rodent burrows, wall voids, attics, and under eaves.
What Should You Do If You Find a Nest?
If you’ve identified a yellowjacket nest or suspect one is nearby:
- Do not disturb it. Attempting to knock it down, spray it, or seal it off can trigger a defensive swarm.
- Keep your distance. Yellowjackets will aggressively defend their nest, especially when threatened.
- Protect children and pets. Make sure they avoid the area until the nest is dealt with.
- Call a licensed pest control professional. Professionals have the tools, safety gear, and training to eliminate nests efficiently.
Trying to handle a yellowjacket nest yourself, even with store-bought sprays, is not recommended. These products rarely reach the queen or eliminate the entire colony, and failed attempts can make the problem worse.
Are Yellowjacket Stings Serious?
A yellowjacket sting is more than just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies. After a sting, wash the area gently with soap and water to clean the skin. Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter antihistamines may relieve itching, while hydrocortisone cream can help calm inflammation.
However, if someone experiences trouble breathing, dizziness, facial swelling, or throat tightness after being stung, call emergency services immediately. These symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require urgent medical attention.
Never Remove a Nest Yourself
DIY yellowjacket removal is extremely risky. Over-the-counter sprays may kill a few wasps near the surface, but lack the technical skills required to reach the queen or the full depth of the nest. Once a colony has been disturbed, the remaining wasps often become highly aggressive.
Professional exterminators are trained to identify the type of wasp, locate the nest, and use responsible, targeted methods that can eliminate the entire colony. Pest control specialists also have protective gear and specialized equipment that allows them to handle large or hard-to-reach nests with minimal risk.
Call Eden Advanced Pest Technologies for Safe Yellowjacket Removal
Yellowjackets are more than just an annoyance, they’re a threat to your family, employees, or customers. If you suspect a nest is near your home or business, don’t wait for someone to get stung. Trust the experts at Eden Advanced Pest Technologies to handle the problem quickly, safely, and effectively.
Our experienced team serves the Spokane WA Metro, Coeur d’Alene ID, Post Falls ID, and Tri-Cities WA areas. We’ll locate the nest, eliminate the colony, and help you secure your property against future infestations.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection or request a free estimate. Your peace of mind starts with professional pest control.
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