How to Prevent a Yellow Jacket Infestation on Long Island

Imagine: a perfect Long Island summer day at home. The grill's sizzling, laughter fills the air, and your backyard oasis is calling. But sometimes, a tiny, uninvited guest with a distinct yellow and black color can make you pause. We're talking about yellow jackets! 

Yellowjackets in Long Island

Across Long Island, from Nassau County to Suffolk County, yellow jackets become a familiar sight as the warmer months unfold. These diligent foragers are often seen buzzing around picnics, BBQs, and garden spaces, drawn by the scent of sweet scents of food and sugary drinks. Their activity typically increases significantly from late summer through the fall, peaking as their populations grow and their search for food becomes more intense. While they contribute to our ecosystem by being pollinators, their defensive nature can sometimes make them unwelcome guests in our outdoor spaces.

How to Identify Yellow Jackets

It's easy to mistake a yellow jacket for a bee, but a closer look reveals their unique characteristics:

• Sleek and Slender: Unlike fuzzy bees, yellow jackets have a very smooth, almost glossy body with very little hair. They typically measure about 1/2 to 1 inch long and display a noticeably "pinched" waist.
• Vibrant Colors: Their most striking feature is their bright yellow and black striped abdomen, often complemented by distinct yellow markings on their face.
• Agile Flyers: They're quick, agile, and fly with a purposeful, direct motion, often with their legs tucked.

Yellow Jacket Behavior

Yellow jackets primarily focus on foraging and building their nests. Most of the time, they go about their business undisturbed, but their behavior can quickly become aggressive if they sense danger near their nest or a favored food source. Unlike honeybees, which sting once, yellow jackets have the ability to sting multiple times. For most people, a yellow jacket sting results in temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling. For individuals with allergies, a yellow jacket sting can trigger a severe reaction that may require immediate medical care. It’s always wise to keep a safe distance.

Tips For Yellow Jacket Prevention

Taking a few thoughtful steps can significantly reduce the appeal of your property to yellow jackets. If a nest does appear, knowing right approach is crucial for safety.

Smart Prevention Strategies

• Cover food & Secure Trash: Keep all outdoor food/drinks covered and use tight-lidded, regularly emptied trash cans.
• Seal Entry Points: Inspect and seal cracks in your home's foundation, walls, and around windows/doors.
• Yard & Garden Care: Routine yard care, including mowing and debris removal, helps eliminate potential nesting sites. Choosing plants less attractive to yellow jackets and managing water sources can reduce their presence. Keeping your property tidy and well-maintained is key to preventing infestations. 

Safe Control

• Do Not Disturb Nests: If you find a nest, do not attempt DIY removal. Yellow jackets are fiercely protective, and disturbance can lead to multiple stings. If here read our blog: How to Identify Wasp Nests Around Your Home.
• Call the Pros: Dealing with nests best left to professionals. They are equipped and trained to handle these situations safely, especially for large or hard-to-reach nests, minimizing risk to your family.