What is a yellow jacket?
Yellow jackets are an aggressive species of stinging insect, that despite their dangers, are considered to be a beneficial species because they are responsible for pollination and help to keep nuisance insect populations down. Adult workers grow to be between 3/8th and 5/8th of an inch in length. They have a hairless body that has a yellow and black banded pattern on it; their face and head is usually black or yellow in color. Their waist is extremely thin and defined; their wings are elongated and fold laterally on their body when at rest.
Why do I have them?
Yellow jackets are usually found nesting on properties that offer them easy access to food sources and nesting areas. In the spring and early summer yellow jackets are building their numbers until they are at their highest in the late summer and early fall. These stinging insects can be found nesting in the ground, behind roof eaves, behind a wall voids, or in an attic space. Also, unsecured garbage and food found at outdoor parties and BBQ’s can attract yellow jackets to a property.
Are they dangerous?
Yes, yellow jackets are extremely dangerous; they live in very large colonies, are very aggressive, and will not hesitate to sting to defend themselves or their nest. Yellow jackets have a smooth stinger which means that a single yellow jacket can sting its victim multiple times. A yellow jacket sting is not only super painful, but their venom can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening reactions in people.
Can I do it myself?
Do-it-yourself yellow jacket control is never recommended. Yellow jackets are very dangerous and very aggressive; only professionals who have experience dealing with yellow jackets and who have proper safety equipment should attempt to eliminate them from a property. It is also important to note that DIY pest control products can be very dangerous to you, your family, pets, and plants if not mixed or placed properly. Contact Schendel Pest Services to see how we can quickly and safely help to get rid of a dangerous yellow jacket nest from your property.
How soon can you get here?
We are dedicated to making sure that we get help to you as quickly as possible, we understand how stressful pest problems can be for you and your family. In most instances, Schendel will respond the same or very next day.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes, our treatment methods are safe for use around people, pets, and plants. We use the least amount of material possible to solve your pest problem whether that is using natural products, baits, mechanical means, or conventional produces.
We follow very strict guidelines, and all of our conventional products are EPA registered. Our trained and experienced service technicians will also inform you of any specific safety measures that may need to be taken before treatment begins.
How much does it cost?
We have standard pricing for all of our pest services, based on average size homes under 3500 square feet and where the infestation does not require more than the standard number of services. We will always make you aware of any price changes before we start your service. Sign up for your FREE quote today and see how much you can save with Schendel.
How can I prevent this in the future?
Preventing yellow jackets from invading your property is difficult but there are a few precautions that you can take to help reduce the likely-hood of an infestation.
- Trim back trees and bushes from your home.
- Reduce the amount of flowering landscape found planted near the exterior of your home.
- Make sure that outdoor trashcans have tight fitting lids.
- Fix holes found around your home’s roof line and replace loose or missing roof shingles.
- Seal all cracks found in your home’s foundation.
- Caulk gaps around windows and doors.
- Make sure that vent covers are secure and that any chimneys have tight fitting caps on them.