How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps (2024)

How to Identify Yellow Jackets

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps (1)

It’s important for a homeowner to be able to properly identify pests (such as hornets vs. wasps) to accurately identify the best solution for getting rid of them. The methods for how to get rid of hornets will vary from how to get rid of yellow jackets. Similarly, if a homeowner is dealing with honeybees, they’ll want to hire one of the best bee removal services instead of trying to use remedies against yellow jackets.

Yellow jackets are any of 35 to 40 species of wasp (hornets are also a type of wasp). Generally yellow and black in color, some yellow jackets may feature white or red markings. The yellow jacket size is smaller compared to a bee, and they have a thinner “waist” that is more defined. These wasps also lack the long hind leg for carrying pollen and the amount of hair that bees have.

BeesYellow JacketsHornets
  • From the superfamily Apoidea and clade Anthophilia
  • Black/brown and yellow bands
  • Round in shape
  • Fuzzy appearance
  • ¼ to 1 inch in length
  • From the family Vespidae
  • Black and yellow bands (potentially with white or red marking)
  • Longer body and defined “waist”
  • Wings fold length-wise at rest
  • ⅜ to ⅝ inch in length
  • From the family Vespidae
  • Reddish brown heads and thoraxes with yellow-orange abdomens and brown bands
  • Slightly thicker “waist”
  • Up to 2 inches in length

Safety Considerations

  • If DIYing, wear as many layers of clothing as possible to protect from stings.
  • Have a well-thought-out escape route once you begin disrupting the nest that is free from items that may trip you, such as outdoor toys, lawn items, lawn furniture, and garden tools.
  • Consider leaving yellow jacket removal to the professionals, especially if someone in the household is allergic, to avoid being stung and risking an allergic reaction.

Yellow jacket nest removal can be dangerous

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STEP 1: Locate the nest.

If yellow jackets are buzzing about the property, it’s important for the resident to locate the source of the pests’ home. Whether this is an underground yellow jacket nest or a yellow jacket nest in a wall, knowing exactly where these wasps are hiding is going to help the residents avoid the area and prevent getting stung. Additionally, knowing the exact location of the nest will help when a pest control professional is involved so the homeowner can point to the problem areas.

STEP 2: Hire a pest control professional.

The first actionable step in alleviating a serious yellow jacket issue is hiring a pest control professional. While the following steps can be useful in removing a small number of yellow jackets, a professional who has dealt with these types of wasps before is going to be the safest option to remove the pests. These pros know exactly how to get rid of wasps and yellow jackets safely and effectively.

Do yellow jackets sting?

Yellow jackets are a social species that become territorial of their habitats. Colonies can become aggressive when they are disturbed and are not afraid to use their stingers—multiple times. Yellow jacket stings can cause hives, swelling, redness, and itching; in some cases, they may cause an allergic reaction. If a yellow jacket sting won’t stop hurting after the area has been cleaned and cold-wrapped, over-the-counter pain medications or antihistamines can help.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps (2)

STEP 3: Try natural remedies.

There are a few things that can be done to help mitigate a yellow jacket issue while waiting for a pest control professional to come out. The below suggestions are actions that can be taken if someone is comfortable being in close proximity to the wasps or their nest.

Don't deal with yellow jackets by yourself

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Peppermint Oil

Combine a few drops of peppermint oil with warm water and dish soap to make a yellow jacket repellent. Putting this concoction into a spray bottle and spraying it near the entrance of the yellow jacket nest can be helpful in deterring the pests from re-entering the home. This is most effective when it is reapplied every few days.

Imitation Nest

Another great way to draw yellow jackets from their nest is to give them somewhere else to go. Placing an imitation wasp nest in the vicinity of the real nest will deter the yellow jackets from continuing to use their current nest. Since they are territorial, they will likely think another wasp colony is in their area and move.

Protein Bait

Since yellow jackets are hunters, they will be drawn to sources of protein like chicken, liver, and fish. One of these options can be used as a successful protein bait atop a bucket of soapy water. After hanging the bait, the yellow jacket may try to fly away with a piece that is too heavy and will (hopefully) drop into the bucket of soapy water. Sweet baits like soda or juice can be just as effective during late summer and early fall.

Cover the Nest

It may sound obvious, but covering the entrance to the yellow jacket nest in the ground once it is located is a good option when trying to deal with a yellow jacket infestation. If any wasps are left in the nest when you cover the entrance with an object, such as a bowl or box, they will starve to death. Consequently, any yellow jackets that cannot return to their underground wasp nest will find a new area to build their home.

STEP 4: Apply a spray treatment.

One of the best wasp sprays can be used to spray the nest. The best time to approach the nest for spraying (and when using any other remedies) is at night, when the colony is the least active and most yellow jackets are inside the nest. While wearing clothing that covers any exposed skin to prevent any possible stings, the homeowner or a pro will need to spray the nest by following the directions on the yellow jacket spray. If there is activity at the nest at the same time the next day, they’ll want to spray it again.

This is no DIY task

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STEP 5: Hang yellow jacket traps.

Homeowners can consider a one of the best wasp traps or a homemade wasp trap to draw these pests away from their homes. They’ll need to put bait (mentioned above) inside a trap and hang it where the most yellow jacket activity is occurring. Residents will want to check the trap every few days once activity around it seems to have lessened to see if it needs more bait. Hanging traps will be especially helpful for colonies that have made a nest within the walls or another area on the exterior of the home.

What attracts yellow jackets?

Yellow jackets and other pests are attracted to common sources that can be found around the home. Food items, such as open cans of soda or sweet treats, will draw yellow jackets near. Additionally, sweet-smelling hygiene products like shampoo, perfume, and body spray will also act as a beacon for these pests.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps (3)

STEP 6: Install an electric bug zapper.

For those who do not want to have direct contact with the yellow jacket nest, an electric bug zapper can be beneficial. By placing the zapper outdoors in the general vicinity of the known colony, the yellow jackets will be drawn to the device because it emits a humming noise that also causes vibration. To the wasps, this will sound like an invasion of their nest and they will fly directly to the source and be zapped.

STEP 7: Prevent yellow jackets from nesting.

Residents will want to seal any tight spaces around the exterior of the home that may serve as a nice spot for a yellow jacket nest, as well as keep lids on garbage cans to prevent drawing the attention of wasps. Additionally, homeowners will want to be mindful that wasps like sweet smells, so it’s wise to consider where fruit trees or crops may be planted on the property.

Yellow jackets may be intimidating at first, but it is possible for a homeowner to deter them and even get rid of their nest altogether by following the steps above. When it comes to yellow jackets, it’s best to go right to the source and get rid of them as early as possible. Especially for homeowners who are allergic to this species or are not confident in their ability to rid their property of these pests, it’s wise to play it safe and recruit a pest control professional to take care of the job.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps (2024)

FAQs

How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets for Good in 7 Simple Steps? ›

An effective method for underground nests is to use a mixture of boiling hot water and dish detergent. Fill a bucket with scalding hot water and soap and pour the entire bucket over the entry and exit holes. This will likely kill the entire colony instantly but is not recommended for above-ground yellowjacket nests.

What kills yellow jackets the fastest? ›

An effective method for underground nests is to use a mixture of boiling hot water and dish detergent. Fill a bucket with scalding hot water and soap and pour the entire bucket over the entry and exit holes. This will likely kill the entire colony instantly but is not recommended for above-ground yellowjacket nests.

What is the best repellent for yellow jackets? ›

Mint: The strong scent of spearmint, peppermint, or pennyroyal can deter yellow jackets and wasps. Plant mint in your garden or use it in pots on your patio or porch. Marigold: Marigolds have a strong scent that can also repel these insects. Plant them in your garden or use them in pots around your home.

Does vinegar repel yellow jackets? ›

Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a plastic spray bottle. White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work equally well for repelling wasps without killing them. Spray bottles are inexpensive and can be found at any home improvement, convenience, or general merchandise store.

What kills yellow jackets instantly home remedies? ›

You can also spray a peppermint oil and water mixture around your home since the smell repels yellow jackets. What home remedy kills yellow jackets? Dry ice and soapy water are natural home remedies that kill yellow jackets.

Does anything keep yellow jackets away? ›

Add natural wasp-repellent plants like eucalyptus, spearmint, or thyme around your yard or property. Scare off yellow jackets with a decoy yellow jacket nest; these wasps are unlikely to build a colony on territory that they believe is already taken by another nest.

What kills yellow jackets but not bees? ›

Many commercially available yellowjacket traps use heptyl butyrate as bait, which bees are not attracted to. It is safe and effective to use such traps around your home and garden. Homemade traps will also work to control yellowjackets.

What chases yellow jackets away? ›

Keeping trash cans clean and covering serving dishes when dining outside can reduce their presence. Also avoid wearing brightly colored clothing and floral perfumes, to which yellow jackets are drawn. Lure traps can be set to discourage foragers from visiting, but if there's food, they are likely to show up.

What smell do wasps and yellow jackets hate? ›

What smell do wasps and hornets hate? Wasps and hornets hate the smell of mint. You can plant mint around your house or keep a pot of mint near the areas where these pests are usually found. This will help to keep them away from those areas.

How do you keep yellow jackets from stinging you? ›

It is best to walk toward dense vegetation or enter a vehicle or building to avoid the stinging insects. Swift movements will only attract more yellow jackets. Horse riders should always be alert for yellow jackets and their nests, particularly in the late summer and fall.

What aggravates yellow jackets? ›

A common instinct upon encountering yellow jackets is to swat at or run from them. However, sudden motion further aggravates yellow jackets and may encourage attacks. If attacked, quickly exit the area with the least amount of movement.

How to destroy a yellow jacket nest? ›

Treat the nest with pyrethrum aerosols such as Stryker 54 Contact Aerosol or PT 565. Pyrethrum forms a gas that will fill the cavity, killing the yellow jackets on contact. Wait until the aerosol is dry, and then dust in the opening with insecticide dust such as Tempo Dust. The dust will prevent future hatch outs.

Why do yellow jackets keep coming back? ›

Liesch explained the wasps have annual colonies, which means the queen wasp's workforce is as large as it will ever be from late summer to early fall. And that's a lot of mouths to feed. In late summer every year, a yellow jacket colony produces a new batch of queens and males.

What causes so many yellow jackets? ›

Starvation makes them angry and aggressive as they work hard to seek food. Yellow jacket colonies grow largest in late summer and early fall just when their food sources begin to diminish, providing plenty of frustrated, hungry wasps. In the spring, there are fewer yellow jackets and they're well-fed.

Should I destroy a yellow jacket nest? ›

Assess the situation: While seeing yellow jackets on your property can be scary, if the nest is in an area of the property that sees little to no human activity, it may not be necessary to remove it. Yellow jackets help to control the population of pest insects like mosquitoes and may actually be doing you a favor.

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