Have you heard it? It is the familiar buzz of yellowjackets that are quickly leaving their winter slumber and looking for places to set up new nests. And those underground nests can become colonies that can support, on average, from 1,500 to 15,000 yellowjackets. Now is the time to take a few simple steps to prevent these aggressive wasps from establishing a home on your property and taking the fun out of your spring, summer, and fall activities.
- Hang yellowjacket traps out now
Hang traps as far as possible away from your home and any area of your yard that is frequented by people or pets. Use the pheromone insert that is sold with the trap. Once trapped, yellowjackets can’t build a nest nearby. - Trim under bushes to reveal holes and fill them in
Ground-nesting yellowjackets typically build nests in abandoned rodent holes, near root systems, and other voids in the earth. - Move wood piles away from fences and elevate them from the ground
Yellowjackets build nests between and under wood piles and fences. Neat and elevated wood piles leave few options for nest sites. - Remove outdoor pet food and water dishes
Food and water attract yellowjackets, rodents, skunks and other wild guests. - Observe your yard in the morning and evening
If yellowjackets have already set up a nest in your yard, their flight to and from the nest can often be observed after sunrise and before sunset. Once you identify the area where you suspect the nest is located, contact the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District to receive a free yellowjacket inspection on your property.
The Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District treats only ground-nesting yellowjackets (not aerial yellowjackets). A map to the nest location is required for service. Simply place a stick or other marker near the location and then draw a simple map on a piece of paper to illustrate where the nest may be located. If the District employee finds an underground nest, she can treat it, free of charge if in Contra Costa County. Yellowjackets can bite and sting several times and do not die during the process, unlike bees.
For more information on the District’s program to control ground-nesting yellowjackets, visit our website.
Information provided by Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District
