Crops Affected: Most often problematic when found around the home, barn, or outbuildings. May also be found in orchards, vineyards, and berry patches where dropped fruit is found, or any other location with a food source or a sheltered nesting place.

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: Yellowjackets (Vespula ssp.) exhibit complex social behaviors. During winter, queens hibernate alone, and in spring, they search for sheltered nesting sites. The nests start as ball-shaped clusters of cells covered in smooth papery envelopes. A single queen founds the colony, constructing brood cells, foraging for food, and defending the nest. The first offspring take over tasks except egg-laying. Workers, smaller than the queen, perform specific roles each day but can switch when needed. They feed larvae a diet of insects, carrion, and caterpillars. In autumn, new queens emerge and mate, while the old queen perishes, leading to the colony's breakdown with winter's onset.

Damage: Yellowjackets possess a painful sting that can be life-threatening to certain individuals, and they can be quite intimidating and aggressive. Despite exhibiting beneficial insect behaviors, they become a dangerous nuisance in high-traffic areas.

Season to Trap: April to August, depending on species and climate

How To Use: Hang trap with attached lure above head height, near areas where they are a problem but not directly in high-traffic areas. Traps hung horizontally to provide a flat surface to land on, may have superior results. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adults are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared and cannot escape.

Additional IPM Solutions: Take action in garden areas by harvesting or disposing of ripe and fallen fruit, and address honeydew-producing pests like aphids. Around your home, cover trash and remove food sources like pet food. For species with aerial nests, consider hanging dummy nests nearby in the spring to discourage nesting. If dealing with large or difficult-to-reach nests, it's best to hire a pest control expert. If attempting nest removal, do so at night when activity is lower, but exercise caution and wear protective clothing. Yellowjackets can sting repeatedly and release alarm pheromones, prompting aggressive behavior in the colony.