Nampa Yellow Jackets are known to be more aggressive than most of their bee and wasp counterparts. This is because they can sting more than once and are very protective of their nests. They’re around 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in length. The easiest way to identify them is by their slim “waist”. Most bee species are fat through their abdomen.
Benefits and Dangers
Nampa Yellow Jackets are actually considered to be a beneficial insect. Their diet includes spiders, or other nuisance insects, and they help to pollinate flowers and crops. However, due to their aggression and ability to sting multiple times, they can be a danger to humans. A wasp sting contains a venom that causes a painful red bump on most people. However, they can cause severe reactions to people who are allergic. Yellow Jackets, along with other stinging insects, send over 500,000 people to emergency rooms each year. They can also pose a problem if their nest is causing damage to a structure.
Nests
Yellow Jackets are very social, and a mature nest can contain up to 4,000 workers at its peak. The peak time is late summer or early fall, and this is when they will be the most active. Yellow Jackets enjoy eating proteins as well as sweets and sugary things. This is why they often try to attend picnics and barbecues. Many Yellow Jackets build their nests in the ground, but you can find their nests in empty wall cavities, around porches and other sheltered areas.
To help protect yourself and your family from Yellow Jackets stings, here are some tips to follow:
- Avoid wearing scented perfumes, as the sweet smell may attract them.
- Don’t swat at them, as this can cause them to be more aggressive.
- Keep all food and beverages covered, and clean up any food spills immediately.
- Keep a lid on all of your trash cans.
- Make sure your windows and doors have a screen to keep them from entering your home.
If you discover a Nampa Yellow Jacket nest, don’t try to remove it yourself. To keep your family safe, and prevent a trip to Saint Luke’s Nampa Medical Center, have a professional pest control company take care of the nest for you. Call Get Lost Pest Control so that our technicians can safely and effectively get rid of any Yellow Jackets living on your property.
