Fall is arriving, bringing with it a little cooler, less-humid weather! Now is the time of the year to host outdoor cookouts and family gatherings or relax on the back deck. Along with fall season benefits, there is one problem; yellow jackets. These stinging pests can ruin an outdoor event or an enjoyable evening in the yard.
If yellow jackets are causing problems and disrupting your fall fun, it is time to secure pest control in San Jose from the experts at Citra Pest Control. We have been eliminating pests like wasps for almost a decade; we can stop wasps from interrupting outdoor activities at your home.
Identifying Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets and honey bees look similar and have the same food sources, so sometimes you wonder if the problem is due to a bee or a yellow jacket infestation. The following descriptors of yellow jackets will help you identify them:
- Size: 1/2 inch in length
- Color: Alternating yellow and black bands on the abdomen
- Body: Smooth
- Legs: Six
- Nests: Paper-like nests in the ground or above ground
Honey bees have slightly larger and fuzzy bodies compared to yellow jackets. Honey bees sting only once, but yellow jackets possess a smooth stinger allowing them to sting the same victim multiple times. If you disturb a nest of yellow jackets, they will fly out in pursuit, but honey bees will not.
Threats Yellow Jackets Could Pose
Because yellow jackets are social wasps, they live in large colonies. A yellow jacket nest may contain over 4,000 workers! Yellow jackets are more active in the fall because their nests have reached capacity. When the wasps in San Jose perceive a menace, they will attack, and while striking, they release a pheromone leading other wasps in the nest to join the attack.
Because yellow jackets have smooth stingers, they can repeatedly sting the victim, releasing venom each time. The venom from these insects contains over 30 compounds consisting of protein toxins and enzymes. When a swarm attacks, the yellow jacket wasp stings can cause anaphylactic shock in some people. Unfortunately, there are over 500,000 visits to the emergency room annually due to stinging insects.
How To Get Rid Of A Yellow Jacket Nest
Removing a yellow jacket wasp nest can be dangerous. Disturbing the nest will induce a swarm of angry, aggressive yellow jackets intent on inflicting pain. If you are willing to take the risk and the nest is small, it is best to try to destroy the nest at night when the yellow jackets are less active. Wear jeans, gloves, and safety glasses to protect against stings. Do not seal an underground nest because the yellow jackets will create another opening.
There are several do-it-yourself products in the marketplace. While these kill the wasps on contact, they can provoke an attack if you fail to spray all the wasps simultaneously. Regarding underground yellow jacket nests, the DIY product may not penetrate deep into the nest, and if that occurs, the stinging insects will create another opening.
Because yellow jacket nests in the fall are at peak capacity, getting rid of a yellow jacket nest should only be done by the wasp exterminator near you. Call Citra Pest Control.
Citra Pest Control Can Help Get Rid Of Yellow Jacket Infestations
Citra Pest Control is the best way to get rid of wasps in San Jose. We will inspect your property to identify the problem, find nesting locations, and determine what attracts them to your San Jose home. Next, we will develop a strategic home pest control plan to eradicate the yellow jackets from your property. After successful treatment, we return to ensure the property remains free from future yellow jacket infestations. Contact Citra Pest Control today to request an inspection.