If you were to choose between paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets, which of these pests would you say is the most aggressive? Most people would say yellow jackets. These pests have made a name for themselves. The question is, are the rumors true? Are yellow jackets the most dangerous and aggressive species of wasps in Anna, or are they just like other wasp species? We have this answer for you today as well as some information that is sure to help you keep wasps, in general, off your property.
Are Yellow Jackets Aggressive?
There are two reasons yellow jackets are believed to be the most aggressive species of wasps. The first is that they are incredibly defensive of their nests. They become even more defensive during the late fall as queens get ready for hibernation. Some colonies of yellow jackets will go as far as to swarm nearby creatures that have wandered too close to their nest. This leads us to the second reason yellow jackets are considered more aggressive. That is that they sometimes build their nests underground. As you might know, it is harder to avoid a nest on the ground than it is to avoid one that is placed in a tree or on the side of a building. It is also easier to accidentally step on a ground nest, which in and of itself is a terrifying thought.
The Dangers Yellow Jackets Pose
Yellowjackets are stinging insects, but you probably already knew this. What you might not know is that a single yellow jacket sting can be life-threatening, but only if the individual who is stung has an allergy to insect venom. Beyond this, stings are painful but rarely fatal. To better understand your risk, we recommend that you visit your local doctor. They will perform the necessary tests and evaluate your risk.
How Painful Are Yellow Jacket Stings?
Although yellow jackets are a bit more aggressive than other area wasps, they are not considered to have the most painful stings. A yellow jacket sting is rated at a 2.0 out of 4.0 on Schmidt’s pain index where a paper wasp scores a 3.0. This doesn’t mean their stings don’t hurt, just that they are less painful than some other pests that live in our area.
Prevention Tips For Yellow Jackets
If your property has a yellow jacket nest, they are there for a reason. To reduce your chances of being stung around your yard, you need to remove things that attract these pests. Here are some great places to start with this.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings, making sure not to leave out any food scraps or uncovered beverages.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Pick up fruit and berries that drop into your yard.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoor or clean out their bowls after every meal.
- Consider removing flowers and other budding plants from your property.
- Knock down partially formed yellow jacket nests using a long broom. Make sure these nests are unoccupied before attempting to do this.
What To Do About Yellow Jackets In Your Yard
If your Anna property has an active infestation of yellow jackets, do not try to handle them on your own. This will most likely result in personal injury, and that is the last thing you want. What you should do is get the experts at EcoArmor Pest Defence involved. We will send a qualified technician your way with a quick, safe, and easy solution to your property’s wasp problems. Contact us today to schedule your Anna property for an emergency service visit or to ask questions about our home pest control.
