Identifying Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp, so you are likely to see more than one when you encounter them. Their colonies can range from a few hundred to several thousand wasps, depending on the size of the nest. These wasps have bodies with striped yellow and black markings. They are not as fuzzy-looking as a bee. Depending on the species of yellow jacket, they can grow to between ⅜ and ⅝ of an inch long.
These bugs are easily agitated and territorial of their nest. As a result, they may become aggressive if you are close to their nest. They will also release pheromones to signal to other colony members that there is a threat. Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting multiple times.
Nest Identification
Yellow jacket nests can vary by species. Some will prefer underground spaces. This can include abandoned mole hills or holes caused by uprooted plants. Others will build a nest in an elevated space. These nests can be found in trees, shrubs, or on the eaves of a house. These nests will generally have a gray, paper-like envelope around them.
Yellow Jacket Diet
These wasps have a varied diet that allows them to thrive in urban and suburban areas. They are pollinators and can also eat a variety of other bugs in their area. They will also scavenge carrion or vegetable matter. Because of this scavenger behavior, jackets are known to swarm around uncovered trash cans or food left out at outdoor parties. Meat and fruit platters are particularly high-value targets.
Stinger Removal and Treatment
As mentioned above, individual yellow jackets can sting multiple times without issue. Their barbed stingers are thinner than a bee’s, and they are generally more painful. If you are stung, use a credit card or the back of a knife to scrape the stinger out. Do not use tweezers. This will squeeze or pop the venom sac in the stinger, releasing it into your body. From there, wash the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry, as swelling may occur. Then use ice or a cold pack near the affected area. Use the ice for no more than 10 minutes at a time.
Antihistamine medication can help reduce swelling and other mild symptoms. If the individual is allergic to stings or is showing more extreme symptoms, use a prescribed epinephrine shot and/or take them to a hospital.
Professional Yellow Jacket Removal
Professional removal is recommended for pests such as yellow jackets and other wasps. Because of their aggressive nature and painful stings, proper protective clothing is needed. Removal starts with identification and locating the nest or burrow. From there, we can administer poison to the nest. This will help cull the population as quickly as possible. Removing the nest or filling in the burrow can help prevent other critters from using them in the future.
Recon Pest Control is fully licensed, insured, and certified for pest removal services in New York and New Jersey. Our team has over a decade of experience in pest and wildlife removal. We use treatments that are kid and pet-safe to ensure that we do everything we can to protect your family every step of the way. Contact us today for your pest or wildlife removal needs.