Yellow jackets can be found just about anywhere, but they like to nest in the ground. Ground bees also like to nest in the ground as well, although ground bees usually don't have that many bees in the ground nest, and usually aren't harmful, yellow jackets will stink in order to protect their nest and their colony. Yellow jackets can be dangerous, as there are a lot more of these insects inside their nest in the ground. If you have a ground nest of yellow jackets, you need to take action before someone gets injured. Read on for helpful tips to help you get rid of these pests.
Figure Out What Type Of Pest You Have
You should first identify what type of pest you have. If you happen to get near the nest and you can see the insect, identify that it is a yellow jacket by its bright yellow stripe. You'll also notice quite a bit of them in the area, coming and going from the nest. Ground bees, however, won't have as many flying around, and they won't be as agitated as the yellow jackets would be.
Flood The Nest
Flooding the nest can help get rid of the papery nest that is inside the hole, however, getting close to the hole can be dangerous, so you should be very safe in doing so. Run a hose directly to the hole where the ground nest is located, then run the water continuously to the hole to flood it. Flooding the nest can get rid of the nest, but it won't get rid of the insects. This could agitate them so much that they could sting, so be very careful in doing so. Once you get rid of the nest, you can begin getting rid of the insects themselves.
Prevent Future Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets will eventually make a new nest in the ground elsewhere, but if you have a thick lawn, they're less likely to make a ground nest in your yard. Add fertilizer to your yard to thicken your yard and to help improve your turf and fill in spots in the yard that aren't thick. Water your lawn to prevent it from drying out and fertilize it to keep it thick.
Hire A Pest Control Company
If you continue to have trouble with these pests, or they continue to come back after you've gotten rid of their nest, you should hire a professional pest control company for help. These pests will continue to come back to a place where they can easily build a nest.
Call a pest control company for help if you have ground pests such as these or other pest issues that you can't handle on your own.
