If you’re trying to enjoy your Dallas property during the summer months, there is one particular pest that can make it difficult and even scary to go outside. Yellowjackets are a stinging insect that many people are afraid of, and there is a good reason for this. These flying pests are more than just a nuisance as they are known for their painful stings.
One interesting fact about yellowjackets is that they are actually members of the wasp group of insects, and they are easy to confuse with bees or other species of wasp. While all of these insects have similarities, yellowjackets are a particularly bad pest because they are more aggressive than other common wasps in the area.
If you’re unsure of how to tell yellowjackets apart from other stinging insects, here is a brief guide to help you identify them:
- They have smooth, streamlined bodies.
- They have black and yellow stripes.
- They have a small “waist” that attaches their thorax and abdomen.
The other way to identify yellowjackets is by looking at their nests. Yellowjackets often nest in the ground or close to the ground under porches, in sidewalk cracks, or the base of trees. They do occasionally build nests in bushes or low branches.
What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Yellowjackets?
Most people know that bees are good for the environment as they are pollinators, but it’s easy to forget that yellowjackets and other wasps also play this role. Because of this fact, yellowjackets are good for the ecosystem and are important in food production for many species, including humans. They can also help control the populations of other small insects.
However, despite these benefits, yellowjackets are dangerous to have around your Dallas property. While most wasps and bees can pose risks to people who are allergic, yellowjackets can be dangerous to even people without allergies. They can sting several times in a row and inject their venom over and over. This can lead to the hospitalization of even a healthy person. Yellowjackets are also known to be a more aggressive species.
How To Prevent Yellowjackets
Completely preventing yellowjackets on your own can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood that yellowjackets will make a nest on your property. The best way to go about preventing yellowjackets is to take steps to make your yard less appealing to them.
Here are some simple tips you can follow to make your property less attractive to these dangerous pests:
- Keep outdoor garbage cans fitted with tight lids.
- Make sure to clean up any food spills if you’re eating outside.
- Keep pools and hot tubs treated with the proper chemicals.
- Remove any standing water on the property.
- If you store pet food outside, make sure it's in containers with tightly-fitting lids.
The Safest Way To Remove Yellowjackets
If you’ve noticed yellowjackets on your property, it’s unsafe to try to get rid of them on your own. Trying to get rid of a nest is when you’re most likely to be stung, and yellowjacket stings can be dangerous. The safest way to remove a nest from your property is to contact the pest control professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Contact us today to get a free estimate.