Yellow Jackets and Paper Wasps

ARE YELLOWJACKETS AND PAPER WASPS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN WESTERN WASHINGTON?

Yes, several species of yellow jackets and the European paper wasp are serious pests in this area. Yellow jackets can nest in or on houses, in the ground, in rock walls, or hang their nests on trees and shrubs, while the European paper wasp commonly nests under eaves or in attics. These pests can become very aggressive when people venture too close to their nests.

They are a real problem when their nests are near doorways or on decks. They are very sensitive to slamming doors and other movements around their nests. Often, species nesting in attics and wall spaces can also become a serious problem if they chew through sheet rock and enter a home.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DESTROY NESTS?

If you're not completely knowledgeable about what you're doing, do-it-yourself yellow jacket and wasp control can be dangerous and it's best to use a professional. If you decide to do it yourself, it's best to treat the nest at night. If you destroy a nest in a wall, be sure to plug the entrance hole after a few weeks.

Yellow jackets may reuse entrance holes in siding and build new nests if you don’t plug them once the activity ceases.

IF I SEE YELLOWJACKETS OR PAPER WASPS IN THE WINTER, DO I HAVE A NEST?

No, yellow jackets or wasps seen in homes midwinter to early spring are over wintering queens. They may come from your attic, or crawl out of firewood brought in from the outside. They are large, but usually lethargic and not aggressive. Be careful though, they can still sting.

DO YELLOWJACKETS OR PAPER WASPS REUSE THEIR NESTS?

No. Yellow jacket and paper wasp nests die out each fall and they never reuse old nests. The following spring, queens build new nests. They may reuse old entrance holes in walls and attics and build new nests. Paper wasps will build new nests right next to old uninhabited nests.

ARE YELLOWJACKETS' OR PAPER WASPS' STINGS DANGEROUS?

Yes. Venom injected from a sting can cause a severe allergic reaction which may require medical attention. In highly sensitive people, such stings can be fatal if untreated.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A YELLOWJACKET OR PAPER WASP PROBLEM?

If you want to do it yourself, get and read a copy of the Washington State University Extension Service bulletin on yellow jacket control. Controlling yellow jackets or paper wasps can be very dangerous if not approached properly. If in doubt, call Whitworth Pest Solutions. We'll locate any nests and eliminate them. If you experience yellow jacket or paper wasp problems year after year, ask us about our prevention program.