A Guide For Virginia Beach Property Owners To Effective Yellowjacket Control

yellow-jacket-wasp​Many people are afraid of insects and other creatures. They often have an intimidating or displeasing appearance, and their behavior is unpredictable. You don’t know if they’re going to come at you, or you leave you be. If they do attack, the consequences could be grave. You are at risk of stings, bites, and scratches. Even if they can’t harm you in those ways, there are other threats. Many species harbor germs that trigger illnesses or bodily reactions. Examples include rodents and roaches.

Yellowjackets cause fear because of the threat of their sting. The results can vary for humans who end up getting pricked. How to keep them away is a mystery to several home and business owners in Virginia Beach. The good news is that you don’t have to be in the dark any longer. Read on about these critters, how to prevent them, and how Pestmaster® Services can come to your rescue.

The Appearance, Behavior, & Risks of Yellowjackets

If you’re going to ward off yellowjackets effectively, you have to understand how they behave. Yellowjackets differ in size and color. Some are as small as 3/8 of an inch long, while others reach ⅝ of an inch. Though a few are white and black, the majority are yellow and black. Their wings extend past their bodies.

These flying insects are constantly on the hunt for meat, sweets, nectar, and bugs to consume. That said, they’ll buzz around your yard, garbage cans, and outdoor grills. If they can get inside your property, they will. You will likely find nests that resemble paper balls near your attic, steps, and porch. Check foundation and sidewalk cracks too. Yellowjackets tend to build their homes at ground level, such as at a tree base, but they’re not opposed to branches and bushes. In fact, if you spot an aerial nest, it means you likely have an infestation problem.

Should you be stung by a yellowjacket, it will most certainly be painful. The space on your skin will redden and swell. Also, you’ll feel itchiness and warmth. If you’re allergic to their venom and/or you’re struck multiple times, you could experience the following:

  • Flushed skin
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fainting
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Convulsions
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cardiorespiratory arrest
  • Secondary bacterial infections
  • Kidney issues
  • Inflammation of the brain, nerves, or blood vessels

Preventing Yellowjackets

Since yellowjackets pollinate and eat other critters, they contribute to the balance of the environment. While this is important and valuable, they still aren’t welcome on our properties. The potential risks are far too great. To avoid these pests, you’ll have to limit their food sources and remove possible entry points.

  • Regularly maintain plants, flowers, shrubbery, and bushes.
  • Keep all greenery more than two feet from your exterior doors.
  • Make sure your lawn, gutters, and vents are free of debris, rotting organic matter, and trash.
  • Don’t leave food on your deck, and clean it regularly.
  • Use garbage canisters with tight lids.
  • Seal openings around foundations, windows, and doors.
  • Call Pestmaster® Services if you have issues with other pests yellowjackets feed on.

Pestmaster® Services Yellowjacket Extermination

Taking down a yellowjacket nest by yourself is never a good idea, even if it appears inactive. You would be putting yourself in danger unnecessarily. Pestmaster® Services will safely treat affected areas with potent products that will only be hazardous to these stinging critters. Your vegetation will remain intact, and you won't risk exposure to anything harsh. Nests and their inhabitants will be gone. We can guarantee it. Call us today! You have nothing to lose, except bugs!