Are Yellow Jackets Dangerous in the Fall?
Throughout the year, seeing bees and wasps are a normal part of daily life and they only sting when provoked. But during the fall season, yellow jackets in particular become more aggressive and dangerous for anyone allergic to their sting. This is due to the fact that they are looking for resources to survive the winter as well as a mate, which is why they seem slightly more erratic as well! Because their behavior can be unpredictable, it’s important to learn how to keep yellow jackets away from any outdoor events you may be hosting or attending in the fall.
What Causes Yellow Jackets to Be Aggressive?
During the spring, wasp nests become to form as colonies grow. Populations can grow exponentially throughout the summer, with some reaching nearly 5,000 members. As resources dwindle when summer ends, yellow jackets become a tad more feisty than usual and seek out food from areas they normally would not. In addition, they seek to mate before the end of the summer. The combination of these two drives is what makes them so hostile in residential areas, especially at outdoor barbecues or picnics. In addition to food at outdoor events, yellow jackets will be drawn to swimming pools or fountains, hummingbird feeders, and more.
How to Protect Your Property From Wasps in the Fall
Yellow jackets aren’t just aggressive about getting enough food in the fall—they will also sting people unprovoked and more than one time. This can be dangerous for anyone, especially those that deal with allergies. Some of the ways you can keep yellow jackets at bay include:
- Cover all food and garbage cans with a tight-fitting lid.
- Don’t wear bright colors or fragrant perfumes.
- Inspect your property for areas where nests may form.
- Avoid walking barefoot through grassy areas where wasps may be lingering.
- Monitor or get rid of standing water, and place covers over pools.
When to Call a Professional for Yellow Jackets
If you’ve done all you can to keep yellow jackets away from your property this fall and are still dealing with them, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional. Especially when nests are involved, it’s crucial to never try to control a swarm of stinging insects on your own. The certified technicians at New Mexico Pest Control can help keep wasps away from your property—for good!
