How to Get Rid of Yellowjackets in Tallahassee, FL

Our warm gulf climate provides the perfect setting for outdoor fun, but humans aren’t the only ones who love the weather here. Yellowjackets are a significant problem for thousands of residents throughout the state, and Tallahassee is no different. When you’re enjoying time with friends and family in your backyard, the last thing you want to deal with is yellowjacket nesting and stings. If you’re wondering how to get rid of yellowjackets, you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll take a closer look at what yellowjacket nesting is and why they’re attracted to your yard.

What do yellowjackets look like?

Tallahassee is home to two species of this nuisance insect. The southern and eastern yellowjackets are both native to Florida. Both are tiny (about ½ inch long), thin, and display black and yellow stripes on their abdomen. Amber-colored wings sit on each side of the abdomen. Yellowjackets live in colonies that can exceed 1,000 pests. They primarily nest in the ground with the entrance somewhat hidden under grass or brush. You can identify a yellowjacket nest by analyzing their patterns and behaviors. Are you seeing lots of bees flying in and out of the same part of the ground like airplanes in an airport? You’ve found a yellowjacket nest! Don’t touch it! Call for professional help immediately. Yellowjackets can also nest within attics and wall voids given the chance. Any small opening can lead yellowjackets right into your living space.

If you are seeing stinging insects flying around your property, it could also be Africanized bees which are the same size as yellowjackets. Unlike yellowjackets, Africanized bees do not nest in the ground. They are not very picky but prefer to nest in cavities or hollow areas. This includes spots such as garages, sheds, crawl spaces, trees, chimneys, old tires, barbeque grills, tree hollows, and fences, all of which are concerns for homeowners. To learn more about Africanized bees and how to prevent them from nesting on your property, click here.

Why are yellowjackets attracted to my house?

Certain design features in and around your home make great nesting grounds for yellowjackets, so it isn’t uncommon to come across a nest in your yard in your attic. Yellowjackets can be found anywhere humans are found. They build paper carton nests out of chewed up cellulose, which are usually found in the ground or in cavernous areas such as eaves and attics. Your property can be appealing to yellowjackets when they find an abundant food source. Nests grow where it’s easier for them to thrive. Attics are another ideal space for yellowjacket nesting. Within attics, yellowjackets can travel in and out, being in the sun during the day and nesting in a protected area overnight. Broken vents, openings around fascia boards, and small cracks and crevices allow them to fly in and nest.

How can I stop yellowjackets from nesting in my lawn?

Yellowjackets are usually helpful members of our ecosystem because they eat other pests we’d like to avoid having in our yards. While yellowjackets keep to themselves mostly, they’re quick to attack when their nest is disturbed, which presents a problem if yellowjackets have taken up residence on your property.

A yellowjacket nest can be especially problematic if you have small children, or if anyone in your family is allergic to yellowjacket stings. Unlike bees, which die after they sting once, yellowjackets can sting the same victim multiple times. When they’re in danger, they also release chemicals that alert other yellowjackets that they’re in trouble, prompting a fierce response from the rest of the colony. Many Tallahassee residents are frightened to find a yellowjacket nest in their yard, or worse yet, in the attic. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry. The professional stinging insect control and removal team has years of experience dealing with pests like yellowjackets. Attempting to get rid of yellowjackets on your own is extremely dangerous. Never try to remove the nest on your own or get close to the pests in any way. They are very aggressive and will attack in large numbers.

How can Capelouto Termite and Pest Control get rid of yellowjackets at my house?

Capelouto can get rid of the yellowjackets that are nesting in your yard or attic with our targeted services. Call us or fill out the contact form on this page for fast and effective yellowjacket removal!