Yellow jackets and hornets are two guests you definitely DON’T want attending your summer picnic. Nevertheless, if you have a nest nearby your home, they’ll find their way in. Dealing with a yellow jacket or hornet infestation can be extremely dangerous, so it’s best to do your research on how to deal with them safely. But don’t worry–CJB Pest Control is here to help! We’ve put together a guide to yellow jackets and hornet control tips to get you through this summer.
When you need help dealing with a yellow jacket or hornet infestation, go with the experts. Contact CJB Pest Control in Farmington Hills, MI, for all your pest control needs!
Identify the Offenders
Yellow Jackets
Yellow Jackets generally appear mid to late summer. They are about a half inch tall in size, with a bright yellow body with markings. They fly very fast and can be extremely aggressive, especially when they feel threatened or are being agitated.
Hornets
Bald Faced Hornets are bigger than yellow jackets, measuring from 7/8th of an inch to 1.5 inches. These hornets are black and have cream or white colored stripes on their abdomen and head. They build large “paper ball” nests on houses or in trees that range from the size of a softball to two basketballs.
Locate the Source
If you have identified yellow jackets or hornets around your home, maintain a distance and check for a nest nearby. Nests are typically located in areas that are difficult to get to and do not have heavy traffic. When you find the nest, be sure not to agitate or throw things at it, as this will only make the insects more aggressive.
Nests are often found in areas such as:
- Porches
- Tree branches or hollows
- Thick bushes
- Wall openings
- Attics
Safety First
Because of their aggressive nature, it is important not to try treating yellow jackets or hornets yourself without proper research. Limiting your exposure while you wait for professional help is the best course of action. If you are allergic or experience adverse reactions to stings, it is best to stay away from their nests and treat any active areas as soon as possible.
When in doubt, always contact a professional pest control company!
Use Insecticide with Caution
Insecticide for hornets and wasps is very common and widely available, but it is to be used with caution. Because yellow jackets and hornets are the most aggressive types of stinging insects, you are putting yourself at risk when you disturb their nests. If you choose to spray their nests, make sure you are following these guidelines:
- Wear protective gear: cover all areas of your body with long pants and sleeves, gloves, and goggles
- Do not spray midday: ideally, do this at night when they are less active
- Don’t get too close: most sprays are designed to propel a good distance away from the nest
- Do not use a ladder: if the insects swarm out of the nest, you will need to get away quickly
- Take great caution removing the nest: moving a yellow jacket or hornet’s nest is highly dangerous unless all of the insects are dead. After spraying, you can wait overnight and respray if you see any activity.
What To Do if You Are Stung
The most important thing to do if you are stung is to get as far away from the offenders as possible. Both yellow jackets and hornets retain their stingers, which means you can be stung more than once. While the pain might be nasty, stings from these insects will usually come with mild symptoms.
If you have never been stung before, be sure to watch out for signs of an allergic reaction, including a rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, wheezing, or nausea & vomiting. If you know that you are allergic or have had reactions to stings before, take an antihistamine as soon as possible and be sure to seek medical help immediately.
Check out this helpful guide from Healthline about hornet stings vs. other types of stings.
Eliminate the Nest
More often than not, yellow jacket and hornet infestations are too risky to handle on your own. While there are ways to temporarily keep them at bay and protect your home and family, it is extremely difficult to eliminate them. You can rest easy knowing that a professional will know how to deal with the insects in the safest and most effective way possible.
CJB Stinging Insect Special
Dealing with a yellow jacket or hornet infestation currently? You’re in luck– CJB Pest Control is running a special on our stinging insect pest control services.
Go with the Experts
In need of yellow jacket and hornet control tips? For more than 90 years, CJB Pest Control has been handling all sorts of pest infestations for the residents of Southeast Michigan. When you’re dealing with a yellow jacket or hornet problem, contact CJB Pest Control.
