Imagine it is a warm summer day, the sun is out, the weather is warm, and the bees are buzzing around your splendid garden. However, upon closer inspection, these bugs don’t resemble bees; they appear to be a little more yellow and slender. You brush this off and think it’s no big deal. However, these bugs start to become more aggressive to the point where you have to rush inside. What you encountered was not a bee but a yellow jacket. 

You may ask, what is a yellow jacket? Why would it be more dangerous than bees? If they are more destructive, what should I do when I see them in large numbers?  You may wonder how to get rid of yellow jackets? We will answer these questions and more, so that, as Illinois residents, you can gain a deeper understanding of these creatures and learn how to best deal with them this summer. 

What Are Yellow Jackets?

Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp. They are yellow and black and more slender than bees. They reside in nests that they build in areas such as underground burrows, tree cavities, sheds, wall voids, and attics. Yellowjackets tend to be most active during the late summer/early fall, from around August to October. This is due to two reasons. 

First, their population peaks around this time, as the queen lays eggs throughout the summer, and they hatch during this period. 

Second, food resources become scarce in late summer/early fall, making yellowjackets more aggressive in their search. 

Dangers of Yellow Jacket Infestations

Yellow jacket infestations can be hazardous for several reasons. 

Aggressive Behaviors – One reason is a propensity for aggressive behavior; unlike honey bees, yellowjackets can be highly aggressive, even against humans. As stated before, yellowjackets become particularly aggressive during the late summer and early fall. Yellowjackets can often sting human beings; however, unlike honey bees that die after one sting, yellowjackets can and do sting people multiple times. These stings can be quite painful and cause swelling, itchiness, redness, and harmful allergic reactions in people who are allergic to yellow jacket venom. 

Property Damage – If left unchecked, yellow jackets can also expand their nests to include areas in or around your house; this could lead to potential damage to your property since they would need to chew through wood and drywall to build such nests. Having them near your home also increases the likelihood that you or one of your family members will be stung by them. 

Disruptive Behaviors – They are also attracted to sugary substances, grease from the grill, or protein from your food, which can potentially cause issues if you or your family decide to have a summer outing in your backyard or other open space. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Yellow Jackets Removal In Illinois

Identification of Yellow Jackets – The first appropriate step would be to identify any yellow jackets in your area. Have you seen them? How often do you see them? Is it just one at a time or multiple? If it seems like an issue, it would be helpful to try to locate the next one. As stated before, nests can be found in attics, sheds, wall voids, landscaping, and holes in the ground.

Call a Professional Yellow Jacket Extermination – If you spot yellow jackets, call a professional pest control service to safely have them eliminated. We suggest not eliminating them on your own. This is especially true if there are multiple nests in the house, which would indicate a significant presence of yellow jackets on your property and make it extremely difficult and dangerous to try to eliminate them yourself. 

Prevention Tips from Yellow Jacket Exterminator near You

There are many steps you can take to prevent this issue from arising in the first place. One such method would be sealing any entry points into your home, such as gaps or cracks in the perimeter. Using caulk or another sealant would be effective in blocking these potential entrances. 

Another effective method is to pack up any leftover food and clean up any spilled liquids, such as water or lemonade. Food sources can attract yellow jackets, especially when food sources outside are scarce, and it is therefore essential to minimize any food and water resources that would attract them inside your home.

Another helpful method would be regular inspection by a pest control service. It is challenging to identify potential signs of a pest infestation continuously. Hiring a professional service would be helpful, as they have the tools and knowledge to identify possible signs and take the appropriate steps to prevent any issues from arising. 

Conclusion

Yellow jackets are not always a threat; they can be beneficial to the environment, as they help control insect populations that harm crops and aid in pollination. However, they can also pose a significant danger for multiple reasons ranging from damage to structural property to their painful and potentially dangerous sting. For these reasons, it is essential to understand the risks they pose, what you can do to eliminate or prevent an infestation from occurring, and when to seek a professional pest control service. 

If you are looking for services that offer Pest Control in Aurora, Naperville & surrounding areas in Northern Illinois, feel free to contact Yosemite Pest and Rodent Solutions, Inc at (630) 779-7674.