Effective ways to control yellowjackets

Rockwell Labs

One of the most effective ways to control yellowjackets is to implement a proactive trapping program in late winter or early spring as a prevention measure. Because only fertilized females overwinter (all males die), catching them when they emerge from hibernation will prevent them from building nests. Several good commercial yellowjacket traps are available, and most come with a lure.

When trapping early in the season, it is best to use protein attractants. Switch to carbohydrate or fermented liquid attractants from mid-summer to early fall to catch foraging yellowjackets. These insects forage up to a quarter of a mile from their nest. Place multiple traps approximately 20 feet apart around the perimeter of the area you want to protect. Place them where yellowjackets are active — near known nests and nearby food sources like barbecue grills and trash cans.

Remove other possible attractants such as trash, rotting fruit on and under trees, soda cans, and other food to improve your catch rate. If a trap has a low catch, relocate it. Maintaining the traps by emptying and cleaning them every three to four weeks also is important.