Yellow jackets are an aggressive social wasp that can swarm, track a target, and sting multiple times. So, if you've begun to see them in your yard, it only makes sense to ask, “What is attracting them?” As it turns out, there are many reasons yellow jackets may choose your yard, outbuildings, shed, or home to nest in. You may find some of them surprising.
- Yellow jackets are pollinators. They aren't great at it, but this trait will bring these stinging insect into your yard. The more flowers you have, the more incentive yellow jackets will have to nest near or on your property.
- Since yellow jackets are pollinators, they can be drawn in by anything sweet smelling, such as a can of soda or juice cup left outside. They may also be drawn to perfumes.
- Yellow jackets are more attracted to gardens than flowers. They are quite fond of eating a large variety of garden-damaging pests and are considered by some gardeners a beneficial insect when properly controlled.
- Yellow jackets are predatory insects with a particular fondness for hunting arachnids. If your home is attractive to spiders, it will be attractive to yellow jackets. Spiders come for the flies. Fewer flies will result in fewer spiders. If you have white outside lighting, it is a good idea to replace those bulbs with yellow insect-resistant bulbs. Flies are drawn in by light. You may also consider keeping window shades drawn at night, as well.
- Yellow jackets eat a wide variety of foods. This makes them a particular problem if you intend to have a backyard cookout. They will be drawn to meats and sugary food alike.
- Yellow jackets aren't picky about what they eat. If you have uncovered trash cans, not only will that trash draw flies, and the spiders that eat them, but it will also attract yellow jackets directly. There are many things inside your trash that yellow jackets feed on.
- If you have a deck, a set of steps, holes in your yard, an outbuilding with eaves or entry points, your yard will be attractive to yellow jackets. These are prime nesting locations.
Controlling yellow jackets requires a knowledge of the habits and habitats of these painful pests. When they begin to appear on your Terre Haute property, take action and get Action. The certified technicians at Action Pest Control will find and eradicate unnecessary nests and reduce the threat of accidental exposure for you, your children, and your pets.
Your backyard is safer when pests are controlled. Get home pest control today from Action Pest Control.