Yellowjackets (6530)

There are several species of yellowjackets. Adults are 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch long, with a yellow- and black-striped abdomen. Common and eastern yellowjackets nest in the ground. The German yellowjacket will nest in wall voids of buildings. Aerial yellowjackets build paper nests on shrubs, bushes, houses, sheds, etc. Yellowjackets are considered beneficial because their food consists primarily of insects. However, if they become a problem and must be controlled, use a commercial wasp and hornet spray. Locate nest entrances during the day. Control should be done at night when most of the yellowjackets are in the nest. Do not shine a flashlight directly at the nest, because the yellowjackets will fly toward the light after being sprayed. Use red cellophane over the flashlight, since wasps cannot see red light.  If the nest is in a wall void, a professional pest control company should be consulted.

In situations where pesticide applications are undersirable, baited traps may be used to reduce the number of adults. The traps should be placed 3 to 8 feet above the ground and 5 feet apart, between the area to be protected and the nest. They should be checked daily and re-baited as necessary. Commercial traps are available from hardware stores and home centers.

For more information, please visit this MAAREC publication. (Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research & Extension Consortium)

Penn State Entomology Dept.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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