Yellow Jackets

When is yellow jacket season most active?

2026-04-11T10:56:09-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

You will start to see queens in the early spring, but the population peaks in late summer and early fall. This is when the nests are the largest and the workers are most active. If you notice a sudden increase

What attracts yellow jackets to my yard?

2026-04-11T10:42:04-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

They are drawn to food and water. Open trash cans, fallen fruit from trees, and even pet food left outside will bring them around. In Berkeley and Dorchester counties, the high humidity and moist soil also provide the perfect environment

Why are yellow jackets so aggressive?

2026-04-11T10:41:35-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

Yellow jackets are very protective of their homes. If they feel a vibration from a lawnmower or if someone walks too close to their nest, they will swarm out to defend it. Unlike honey bees, a single yellow jacket can

Do yellow jackets die off in the winter?

2026-04-11T10:41:07-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

In most places, the whole colony dies when it gets cold, and only the queen survives the winter. However, because our winters in the Lowcountry are so mild, some nests can actually survive for more than one year. This can

What do yellow jackets eat?

2026-04-11T10:40:26-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

These pests change their diet as the weather warms up. In the spring, they look for protein and eat other insects like flies and caterpillars. By late summer and fall, they switch to sweets. This is why they become such

Where do yellow jackets usually build their nests?

2026-04-11T10:39:33-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

Most yellow jackets in our part of South Carolina build their nests underground. They often use old rodent burrows or soft soil under logs. However, they can also build nests in wall gaps, attics, or under the eaves of your

How can I tell a yellow jacket apart from a honey bee?

2026-04-11T10:38:35-04:00April 11th, 2026|Categories: |

Yellow jackets are much sleeker and brighter than honey bees. While honey bees are fuzzy and brown, yellow jackets have smooth, shiny bodies with bright yellow and black stripes. They also have a very thin waist. In the Charleston area,

Can I remove a yellow jacket nest myself?

2025-07-31T09:08:25-04:00July 31st, 2025|Categories: |

It's not recommended to attempt DIY removal, as it can be dangerous. They are highly aggressive when their nest is disturbed. Professional pest control is the safest option.

Are yellow jackets dangerous?

2025-07-31T09:08:27-04:00July 31st, 2025|Categories: |

Yes, they can be dangerous, especially to individuals with allergies. Their stings are painful and can cause severe reactions.