We all know that yellow jackets are aggressive and downright mean. They’ll sting you without much provocation and then live to sting again. There are a few different reasons as to why aggressive yellow jackets are problem here in Central Virginia.
Social Instincts
Yellow jackets are social insects, so they often feel as if their territory is being encroached on. If a yellow jacket believes that you will cause harm to it or its nest (even if you’re just minding your own business), it will attack without a second thought. Unfortunately for people in this position, yellow jackets can bite as well as sting multiple times. Yellow jackets usually bite to get a better grip on you so it can sting you more than once.
Hive Mentality
Yellow jackets have a strong hive mentality. If one yellow jacket is being attacked, the others will swarm the attacker. Enough stings can indeed be fatal, so it is always important to be safe when encountering a yellow jacket. The best way to escape yellow jackets with attitude is to cover your face and very slowly walk away.
Time of Year
Interestingly, yellow jackets get even more aggressive during the months of fall. A yellow jacket’s main job is to bring back food for its colony. During the fall, there aren’t any more larvae to feed back at the nest. Adult yellow jackets then begin finding food for themselves. This can make adult yellow jackets more frantic and aggressive. Luckily, male yellow jackets die off in late fall as the weather starts to cool off. However, the females are the ones you now need to worry about. Even though female yellow jackets hibernate during the winter, they emerge as queens in the spring. This makes it very important to take care of your yellow jackets with attitude problem before springtime comes around.
CONTACT Holistic Pest Solutions if you need a free consultation for a yellow jacket issue or for treatment of any pests; or give us a call at 434 842 1700. Whether you’re in Charlottesville, Palmyra, Keswick, Ivy, Crozet, Earlysville, Greene, Madison, Waynesboro, or Staunton, Holistic Pest Solutions has the perfect plan for you that is mindful of your family and our Earth!
*Our Environmental Commitment: Holistic Pest Solutions is committed to the preservation of our environment. Our goal is to nurture the soils and plant life of lawns and landscapes. Utilizing holistic pest control practices that cause the least amount of impact on the environment.
