Yellow Jackets !

[oosik]

For reason UKN - we don't have ground dwelling jackets or wasps around here. We have the kind the build the light grey - paper thin - multi layer - oval nests.

About 15 years ago - found a jacket nest. Half again bigger than a basket ball. Lodged right up in the corner of my carport. Decided to wait until night and burn the nest. It burned all right - would have burned down the carport. Some fast action - turn on the garden hose - hose it down. I was saved - not because of my bright plan nor fast actions. I have a steel roof on the carport. That saved my hinney.

 

[RalphVa]

I had a nest of them earlier than July this year. Was watering a lantana along the driveway and happened to step on the opening to one underneath a rock right at the edge of the driveway. Stung me badly on the sock of one foot. Usually, I get a nice skunk or bear that digs them out for me just before I have to make a mowing run. They're quiet unless you get some noise near them or step on their nest. A skunk had evidently dug this one out part way. A bear would have removed the rock. I waited until near dusk and sprayed it with one of those projectile wasp and hornet sprays. Gasoline or kerosene actually work the best and require less than about a 1/2 cup to kill a nest, but you have to get close to pour the stuff in. We're not allowed to tell our clients at the extension office about the gasoline or kerosene, but I know from personal experience that it works the best.

Later, some of them moved to underneath a blueberry bush. Had to spray that, too.

Ralph

 

[Toyboy]

Last week I was putting some groceries on our covered front porch and wham, got stung on the back of left ankle. Come to find out yellow jackets had built a nest under the porch accessing it by going between the gap in the deck boards.

Ten minutes later my neck was itching like I had hives and swelling up. Off to the ER I go. Was told I had a systemic reaction to sting. Gave me some meds and sent home. Not bad enough for prescribing Epipen yet.

That same evening I was grilling on the elevated rear deck, and by chance I see yellow jackets actively coming and going under cover of deck chair about 7' from me.
WOW, if I'd had moved/bumped the chair I'd have been in deep doo doo.

Next morning I went to the farm store and purchased $20 worth of Wasp/Hornet Foam. When I was finished both decks looked like a snowdrift. Killed those little sob's fast.

Checked the chair following day and they'd built a nest the size of a softball under the arm. Gotta pay attention that's for sure.

The foam is awesome stuff.

 

[jmc]

Neighbor accidentally disrupted a nest and ended up in the ER. He's also a Doc and he did some research on them afterward. Turns out that when the YJ's are stressed, they give off pheromones that attracts the rest of the hive to ward off the invader.

 

[Thomas]

I like starting fluid, or carburetor cleaner; what ever is available. Have to get up close though.

:thumbsup---------I like break cleaner shots a nice stream and leaves coating works every time.

 

[Thomas]

Ok,

Normally I get along with the creatures around my property, but his year is different.
I have had stinging colonies of nasties close to where we spend our time relaxing
Never a problem before.

This year, I have a nest of Yellow Jackets that took up residence in a hanging basket
on the front porch. I have another under the deck boards on the back deck.

At least 3 of my dogs have been stung, and I have been whacked twice. It was like
getting stabbed with an ice pick. They got their point across, so I avoid them, but want
my home back. Them some mean SOB's

I have some Spectracide Hornet/Yellow Jacket spray I picked up at TSC. I have not tried
it yet. Frankly I'm a bit nervous about approaching them again. I also seen some
Yellow Jacket traps. I did not get them because I did not know if they would attract
even more of Satan's Childern.

All suggestions appreciated.

Thanks
Dave

Then there's yellow jackets build there hives in ground which almost impossible get rid of not unless your lucky and quick fill hole hole,but if you have skunk he/she will make fast work of the nest.

 

[Jchonline]

Super, super easy to deal with them.

They go dormant when it cools in the evening or early morning. Wait for the temp to drop about 20-30 degrees with no sun out. Then go to them with the wasp killer spray. Use a stick or something to smash the remaining eggs and squirming insects. You will hopefully have no issues.

Dont mess with them when it is hot or sunny.

 

[dj1701]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

My problem is, I can't get to the nests. They are under the deck boards. My deck is built on a block foundation, so no getting under it.

I tried chicken with some Sevin mixed in, they wont touch it. I also tried the water bath method with cat food and a piece of chicken over water and soap.
Not a bite.

I can spray, but that wont get the nest.

 

[Diggin It]

"This year, I have a nest of Yellow Jackets that took up residence in a hanging basket on the front porch. "

You can't get to that one?

"I can spray, but that wont get the nest."

There are ways to fog almost any solution for insects. Big Box stores might have the machines. Some use propane canisters as propellant, so extreme care is required.

 

[Toyboy]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

My problem is, I can't get to the nests. They are under the deck boards. My deck is built on a block foundation, so no getting under it.

I tried chicken with some Sevin mixed in, they wont touch it. I also tried the water bath method with cat food and a piece of chicken over water and soap.
Not a bite.

I can spray, but that wont get the nest.

My experience with that situation is foam the gaps about 3' either side of nest. And re foam whenever it looks dissipated. They'll get in foam trying to get to and from nest. In a few hours activity will be minimal to none. They may be mean but their not smart. If you watch them closely for a bit you'll see that they come & go within the same area of a foot or so. That's where you lay down the foam. They don't see the foam as their demise.