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Yellowjackets are social insects
that live in large colonies of several thousand wasps.
They usually build their nests underground,
often in an old rodent hole
but sometimes nest are found in wall cavities in homes.
Many people mistake the nests a paper wasps
for yellowjacket nests.
paper wasp nests are open and often built up on eaves.
Paper wasps are much less aggressive than yellowjackets
and generally do not need to be controlled
if you have a yellow jacket nest on your property
you may be able to locate it
by following the wasps back to the nest entrance.
be careful though: yellowjackets aggressively protect their nest
and can inflict a painful sting.
The best way to control a yellowjacket colony
is to have a pest control professional treat the nest.
Wasps will become agitated by treatment
and thousands of angry wasps flying in and out of the nest
can be very dangerous.
In some counties, the local mosquito and Vector Control District
have personnel that will come out to do the treatment;
otherwise, you may have to call a pest control company.
If you decide to treat the nest yourself,
wear protective clothing entry and treat at dusk, or at night
when most yellowjackets are in the nest.
Be sure to use a product that is labeled
for treating yellowjacket nests
and an appropriate applicator.
While treating the nest is the best way to control the colony,
In many cases you won't have this option
because nests may not be on your property.
Yellowjackets may forage up to a quarter mile from their nest
and it may be impossible for you to find it.
If you can't find the nest you can reduce yellowjackets
in your yard by using lure traps.
These traps are baited with a chemical that is attractive to the common
Western yellowjacket species.
place them around the perimeter if your yard away from patios
or other gathering areas.
For more information about controlling yellowjackets
visit the UC IPM website