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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Yellowjackets
Vespula spp.
Updated Dec 17, 2024
Make a Positive Identification
There are several species of yellowjacket and 5 look-alikes. The recommendations for the look-alikes are different from the recommendations for yellowjackets.
Yellowjackets
Paper Wasps
Photo credits
Left:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Right:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Several similar yellowjacket species (left) have distinct yellow and black markings and aggressive behavior. Paper wasps (right) have narrow waists and are less aggressive. See look-alikes below.
Yellowjackets
Paper wasps on nest
Photo credits
Left:
"Worth a Sting?” by Tony Iwane is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 (cropped).
Right:
"Paper wasps" by Nicki Dugan Pogue is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped).
Many yellowjackets gain access to their nest through a small hole (left). Paper wasp nests are papery and look like honeycombs (right).
Species: Yellowjackets
Appearance
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Yellowjacket males, queens, and workers are different from one another. Workers become a nuisance when they leave the nest to forage for food by midsummer.
Species: Yellowjackets
Behavior
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Yellowjackets are attracted to high-protein foods like meat (shown in photo) and to sugary drinks. They are a nuisance when you eat outdoors in the summer and fall.
Species: Yellowjackets
Nest
"Worth a Sting?” by Tony Iwane is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
To find yellowjacket nests, look for many insects coming from and going into a hole in the ground or wall. Stay away from yellowjacket nests to avoid being stung.
Species: Yellowjackets
Nest
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Yellowjackets build large papery nests underground. They also build nests in protected areas such as under foundations (shown in photo), patios, and wall voids in structures.
Look-Alikes: Other Wasps & Bees
Species: Paper wasps
Photo credits
Left:
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Right:
"Paper wasps" by Nicki Dugan Pogue is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped).
Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) have a narrow waist and are less aggressive than yellowjackets. Paper wasps build nests that look like the one shown in the photo (right).
Tolerate if possible
Paper wasps feed on fruit, nectar, pollen, and insects. They are not as annoying as yellowjackets at picnics. Stay away from paper wasps and they will likely not sting you. Avoid the nests, if possible. If you must take action on a paper wasp nest, use a broom to knock down the nest or see Yellowjacket, Wasp & Hornet Nest Products.
Species: Aerial Yellowjackets
Photo credits
Left:
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)
Right:
Howard Ensign Evans, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org (cropped)
Aerial yellowjackets (Dolichovespula arenaria) look similar to Western yellowjackets. They build paper nests above ground, often in trees. Aerial yellowjackets aggressively defend their nests.
Tolerate if possible
Stay away from the nests and tolerate aerial yellowjackets, if possible. They aren’t as annoying at picnics as other species. If you must get rid of them, solutions for yellowjackets also work well for aerial yellowjackets.
Species: Bald-faced Hornets
Photo credits
Left:
Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org (cropped)
Right:
Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org (cropped)
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are related to other yellowjacket species. They have white and black coloring and white coloring on the face. The hornets build paper nests above ground, often in trees. Bald-faced hornets aggressively defend their nests.
Tolerate if possible
Stay away from the nests and tolerate them, if possible. They aren’t as annoying at picnics as other species. If you must get rid of them, solutions for yellowjackets also work well for bald-faced hornets.
Species: Honey Bees
David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are very hairy and have an orange or orange-yellow color. They are not aggressive. You’ll often see them visiting flowers.
Helpful
Honey bees are beneficial to the environment. Stay away from them and they will likely not sting you.
Species: Bumble Bees
David Cappaert, Bugwood.org
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are very hairy compared to yellowjackets. They are not aggressive. You’ll often see them visiting flowers.
Helpful
Bumble bees are beneficial to the environment. Stay away from them and they will likely not sting you.
Yellowjackets Benefits
- Yellowjackets prey on insect pests that eat plants, such as cabbage moth larvae.
- Yellowjackets also recycle dead animals in the environment.
Yellowjackets Risks
- Yellowjackets are attracted to food and garbage. They can become a nuisance at picnics.
- They aggressively protect nests.
- A single sting causes pain, redness, swelling, and itching. Multiple stings can produce fever and sickness.
- An allergic reaction to a yellowjacket sting is a medical emergency. About 3% of the adult population is severely allergic to insect stings. Such individuals should seek medical attention right away if stung. See health and safety tips below.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Some
Yellowjacket stings hurt, 3% population allergic
Property
None
Pets
Some
Pets can get stung too
Annoyance
High
Bothersome when nest close to house and when eating outdoors
Environment
Helpful
Part of ecosystem
Action Optional
Take action when a nest is located near homes or recreational areas and for people with known allergies.
TAKE ACTION?
Use lure traps for outdoor eating areas. Determine whether you can tolerate yellowjacket nests, depending on their location.
Do I need to take action?
Take action to control yellowjackets when a nest is located near homes or recreational areas. Also take action for people with known allergies.
What if I do nothing?
Yellowjackets can be a nuisance when you are eating outside. They will aggressively protect their nest. A nearby yellowjacket nest brings a risk of being stung for you, your family, and your pets.
Prevent Yellowjackets
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Stay Away from Nests
- Locate yellowjacket nests and stay away from them.
- If needed, consider destroying nests with an insecticide.
Other Prevention Strategies
- Stay away from less aggressive look-alikes: honey bees, bumble bees, paper wasps, and bald-faced hornets.
- Do not swat or squash yellowjackets.
- Remove or cover attractive food such as sugary drinks, sweets, and meats. Keep pet food indoors.
- Keep garbage cans sealed and empty the cans regularly.
- Prevent yellowjackets from making a nest inside or under buildings. Ensure structures are sealed and block entry to pest insects.
- Do not wear perfumes or scented products or brightly colored clothes when yellowjackets are present.
- Avoid nests like the one shown in the photo above. Watch for yellowjackets flying in and out of a single location.
- Lure traps used in early spring will prevent yellowjacket queens from forming new nests. Lure traps in summer will reduce yellowjacket numbers.
Solutions for Yellowjackets
- Lure traps safely reduce yellowjacket numbers.
- Insect killer (insecticides) options for nests work but come with real risks. You could get stung many times spraying a nest.
- Poison bait products work to kill the entire nest. They are a good option if you don’t want to run the risk of getting stung.
- Spraying individual flying insects is NOT RECOMMENDED. It is not an effective way to get rid of yellowjackets and wasps, and you run the risk of being stung.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Lure Traps |
Very effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Yellowjacket, Wasp & Hornet Nest Products |
Effective |
Very high risk |
Use if Necessary |
C Poison Bait |
Very effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
D Spraying Flying Yellowjackets |
Does not work |
High risk |
Not Recommended |
E Gasoline or Lighter Fluid are NOT ALLOWED |
Dangerous |
Very high risk |
Illegal |
|
F If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Lure Traps for Yellowjackets
Non-Chemical Method
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Lure Traps for Yellowjackets
Recommended
- Lure traps use a smell that attracts insects to enter a trap they can’t exit. Lure traps don’t use insecticides.
- Set lure traps when yellowjackets are present.
- Setting baited lures in early spring kills yellowjacket queens and helps controls yellowjackets through the summer.
| Does it work? | Very effective
|
| How much effort? | Low effort
|
| What's the risk? | Low risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
Use lure traps around human activities such as picnics where you cannot live with yellowjackets.
Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Liz Kasameyer, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Bugwood.org
"Fishnish: honey trap at the ferry building" by Chris Downer is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
More about Homemade Lure Traps
- Use a container with a small entrance.
- Bait it with sugar or a chunk of meat to attract yellowjackets.
- Fill the container about ½ full with water. Add a drop of dish soap.
- Place in a location away from picnics and activities.
Lure Trap Tips
- Yellowjacket traps are widely available at garden centers and hardware stores.
- Be careful about placing and maintaining traps. The attractant might draw insects to you while you are handling traps. The safest times to touch traps are when yellowjackets are less active. Early morning and dusk are good times.
- Be cautious when setting lure traps near a nest.
- Reusable traps require maintenance. Follow the instructions to set up traps, replace attractant, and remove dead insects. Check traps regularly. Wait until all the insects are dead before emptying and cleaning the trap. Use a yellowjacket attractant product for best results.
- If you don’t want to maintain reusable traps, use disposable yellowjacket traps.
How to Set Yellowjacket Lure Traps
- Place traps between nest areas and picnic or outdoor seating areas. Draw insects away from people.
- Place lure traps 20 feet or more away from people. In small areas with many yellowjackets, use one trap for every 25-by-25-foot space. In larger spaces with few yellowjackets, place traps about 150 feet apart.
- Place traps in the spring when queens are active. Prevent queens from starting new nests.
- Reapply attractant as needed through the course of the warm season to trap yellowjackets.
B
Yellowjacket, Wasp & Hornet Nest Products
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Yellowjacket, Wasp & Hornet Nest Products
Use if Necessary
Products for spraying yellowjacket nests are widely available. Read the product label and follow the safety instructions.
| Does it work? | Effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort
|
| What's the risk? | Very high risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Select an insecticide that is intended for use on yellowjacket and wasp nests. Look for the words “yellowjacket” and/or “wasp” and/or “hornet” on the product label.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Nest Spray Tips
- Locate the nest during the day, but don’t apply the spray at that time.
- The nest is often a hole in the ground or a wall the insects exit and enter.
- Apply the pesticide in the early morning or late evening when yellowjackets are less active.
- Yellowjackets are often guarding the entrance. They will attack you when their nest is sprayed.
- Have an exit strategy to get away from the nest quickly.
Use extreme caution if you decide to spray a yellowjacket nest. You run the risk of being stung many times.
C
Poison Bait Products for Yellowjackets
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Rob Hamrick, Metro
Poison Bait Products for Yellowjackets
Use if Necessary
- Poison bait products for yellowjackets work to kill the nest with minimal effort and little chance of being stung.
- The bait is placed in food that attracts yellowjackets such as tuna and sardines, as shown in the photo.
| Does it work? | Very effective
|
| How much effort? | Low effort
|
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk Insecticides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
D
Spraying Flying Yellowjackets
Not Recommended
3drenderings, iStock (adapted)
Spraying Flying Yellowjackets
Not Recommended
Spraying individual flying insects is NOT RECOMMENDED.
| Does it work? | Does not work It is not an effective way to get rid of yellowjackets and wasps. |
| How much effort? | High effort |
| What's the risk? | High risk You run the risk of being stung. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
E
Gasoline or Lighter Fluid are NOT ALLOWED
Not Recommended
J88DESIGN, iStock
Gasoline or Lighter Fluid are NOT ALLOWED
Illegal
- Pouring gasoline or lighter fluid into a yellowjacket nest is NOT ALLOWED.
- Lighting a fire to destroy a yellowjacket nest is ILLEGAL and DANGEROUS.
- You could start a wildfire and be held responsible for the damage.
| Does it work? | Dangerous |
| How much effort? | High effort |
| What's the risk? | Very high risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Gasoline, lighter fluid, and diesel are NOT ALLOWED to be used as pesticides. |
If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
splendens, iStock
Why Is It Important to Read Insecticide Labels?
- They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- Labels contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They offer instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
Key Safety Tips for Insecticides
- Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants and getting stung
- Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks and shoes.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
- Use extreme caution if you decide to spray a yellowjacket nest. You run the risk of being stung many times.
- Never spray directly overhead. Pay attention to wind conditions.
Protect Pollinators
Many insecticides are extremely toxic to bees.
- Honey bees and other pollinators are harmed by most insecticides.
- Don’t spray on bees or other flying insects.
- Don’t allow spray to contact blooming plants.
Protect Children & Pets
Children are at risk if they discharge a pressurized insecticide can. Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep children and pets away from the application area. They may be stung many times.
- Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides.
Storage & Disposal
- Store out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool and dry place. Pressurized containers have exploded in hot cars.
- Never pour down any drain.
- Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
- Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
HEALTH & SAFETY TIP
A single yellowjacket sting is painful. Stings swell into a red welt or lump, and are itchy. Several stings together hurt a lot more, but are not life-threatening for most people. For small children and people who have allergies, yellowjacket stings can be life-threatening.
What to Do About Yellowjacket Stings for Sensitive People
Assess the Situation
- If a toddler or small child receives five or more stings, seek medical attention.
- If a teenager or healthy adult receives roughly fifty or more stings, seek medical attention.
- If a person receives one or more stings and quickly feels sick, has problems breathing, wheezes, or hives erupt on their skin away from the sting location, that’s an emergency. CALL 911.
Severe Allergic Reactions Can Be Life-Threatening
- Allergic reactions include trouble breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and swelling or hives on the body at locations other than the sting site. Allergic reactions to yellowjacket stings are medical emergencies. CALL 911.
- People who know they are allergic to yellowjackets or bees often carry an epinephrine auto injector (EpiPen®Auvi-Q or similar item) in their clothing or bags. If the person cannot talk or show you where the autoinjector is, CALL 911 first, then look for the autoinjector and follow its directions to help the person.
- An EpiPen, combined with emergency medical care, will save a person’s life if he or she has an allergic reaction to an insect sting.
Smartstock, iStock
Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writer J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.
YELLOWJACKET REFERENCES
Yellowjackets
University of California IPM
Nuisance Wasps and Bees
Colorado State University