Controlling Yellow Jackets

[NC Scaper]

What are some natural and/or chemical things to controlling these beast

[olderthandirt]

SEVIN dust if you can find the nest or where there going in just throw down a handful and they will carry it to the nest and wipe it out in a day. An exterminator taught me that trick for a $150 house call :D

Mac

[Ric]

NC Scaper

Permethrin is the fastest acting insecticide I know of. If you find the nest, use a Permetrin product to make a fast kill so you don't get stung. Wasp and Hornet spray has Permethrin as its AI.

Dust will work also but as Older than dirt said it takes at least a day. However if you can find or get to the nest then use it.

[voeg]

If you are out in the open, starter fluid, like you would use on a diesel engine works great. Spray it right on them and they will drop like flies. What I've been told, is that the stuff evaporates so quickly that it pulls the moisture from their bodies as it does so and kills them.

[Tharrell]

Yellow jackets are bad around here. Except where I've been applying granules to the lawn. I came back from mowing last thursday and took an ice tea break before unloading my stuff and the yellow jackets were swarming around my mower wheels. I live in the country and my lawn is the only improved area close by. I guess they were from the woods and fields nearby because they aren't in my yard.

[mmacsek]

Yellow jackets are very aggressive this year. There are alot of nests in the ground and old tree stumps. Not a problem finding the nests. I used a natural product that used mint oil and was suppossed to attack the nervous system. This stuff really pissed them off. The product that stopped them in their tracks was Enforcer foam. Hit them in the evening and they're not coming out in the morning. It was about 5 bucks a can and emptied real fast. The grass around the nest turned brown. I don't know the active ingredient off hand but will check the truck in the morning. Matt

[D Felix]

I had luck with Talstar applied liberally to the hole last year, though this year it seems as if it's only slowing them down, not killing them. Last year there were NO bees flying within 1/2 hour.... Could be it was mixed a little stronger then too.... This year it is only killing the ones I spray it directly on, not the whole nest.

Sevin dust works well, especially if you put it in the hole after dark when they are all inside. Gas and a match works too, just be very aware of your surroundings and any buried utilities.:)


Dan

[NC Scaper]

2 weeks ago I was loading the trailer and BAM one up the shirt, I have been stung many times but this really hurt. My arm swells up and it hurts so much I gave in going to the doc. Well Saturday same place loading trailer and I get it again and this time its 10 times worse on the same arm. Now where I was there are 4 decaying stumps, now that I know I am allergic I have cautiously just sat back there to see if I can see any activity and so far nothing, but thats why I started this thread now cause when I do find where they are they are going down.


Robert

[GregoryR]

What are some natural and/or chemical things to controlling these beast
Whatever these guys said about killing yellowjckets will work for the most part. But real control starts in early spring when you can put out those hanging baited yellowjcket traps. At that time of year you will capture mainly queens and the idea is that alone will reduce the population of nests throughout the season. Getting closer to summer those traps will catch thousands of yellowjackets and not put a dent in the overall population. Yellowjacket control requires a little planning ahead.

[PLM-1]

i got in to those today. got stung 7 times...still hurts. the ones on my legs look like snake bites...i had blood soaking through my shirt where they got me too! took care of them tho...little bit of gas down the hole and a match! i know it's not smart to do that but had to get rid of them. i still had to mow in the area.

[NC Scaper]

is this actually normal

[PLM-1]

sort of. did you get the stinger out? sometimes not getting that out causes that to happen. it should only look nasty for a week or so but you will prolly have a mark there for a month or so...going off of experience!

[NC Scaper]

Stinger came out. That was the most painful bee sting I believe I have ever had in my life. In my other thread in lawn care about 32 stitches later, the dog bite didn't even hurt that bad or the hedge trimmers ripping my skin. All I can say is I hate them little boogers

[txlawnking]

I've mentioned this before, and voeg is on the right track too, Brake cleaner products and starter fluid will make an instant kill if you can find the nest. Even if you find the nest but don't see a lot of activity, (but you know they're in there) soak it with the Kleen' and they're done...In fact, I think brake clean will kill just about any insect in a pinch. That's why I try to keep a can in my truck and get them if I discover any.. I'd really hate to see an elderly client get jacked by them..

[indianchief]

I understand killing yellow jackets for "self preservation" or "self defense" but if the right person notices some of the techniques and/or chemical cocktails mentioned above, are you setting yourself up for a 'dispensing pesticide without a license' problem?

[Ric]

I understand killing yellow jackets for "self preservation" or "self defense" but if the right person notices some of the techniques and/or chemical cocktails mentioned above, are you setting yourself up for a 'dispensing pesticide without a license' problem?


Indianchief

Although you you make a very good point even if you didn't say anything about using the wrong product. You and I are wasting our breath or keyboard fingers. These guys really don't care about the law or the environment. They will do it their own way and more than likely never get caught or have to pay a fine.

[Precision]

Ric,

Sad but true.

Deisel fuel works great to kill weeds, problem is it also kills bambi, thumper, and eventually us when all the potable water is gone.

[Ric]

Ric,

Sad but true.

Deisel fuel works great to kill weeds, problem is it also kills bambi, thumper, and eventually us when all the potable water is gone.

Precision

Now the sad thing is one of these fine Rocket scientist gave me a negative point on the new rating system. Now I really don't care if this Idiot likes me or not. However the mentally of those who contaminate our planet does bother me. As I get older I tend to be less tolerant of these type of people so look for my rating to be in the negative 100's. I will consider that to be my contribution to this website and be proud of the negative rating.