Have you ever been minding your own business in your backyard, only to be attacked mercilessly by a vicious yellow and black striped flying insect? If you have, then you are not likely to soon forget it because it hurts. A lot. And, it won't stop there. Yellow jackets are notorious for stinging multiple times, over and over again until you manage to get away. But what did you do to deserve the attack? Well, if we look at this scenario from the point of view of a yellow jacket, maybe we can offer some answers.
Yellow jackets are not normal wasps. Other wasps are generally happy to just go about their business. You know, if you don't bother me I won't bother you. But yellow jackets don't share this sentiment. If you are anywhere near a yellow jacket's nest, you are going to make them mad. These are social insects that work together to build nests. And they simply won't tolerate even the slightest chance that their hard-earned nest might be harmed in any way. They are also fiercely protective of each other.
Here are some other facts you may not know about yellow jackets:
- Yellow jackets swarm. If a yellow jacket's nest is threatened, they will quickly band together to protect their nest from whatever has dared come near their home.
- Yellow jackets will aggressively chase you. Their protection instinct is so strong that they will chase you several yards away from their nest. And it is never a good idea to submerge yourself in water to get away from yellow jackets because they will hover above the water, waiting to sting, longer than you can hold your breath.
- A yellow jacket can sting multiple times because they do not have a barb on their stinger. Many other stinging insects have a barb and will lose their stinger after one sting.
- Some yellow jackets' nests are built underground which is another reason they are so dangerous because their nests are easy to accidentally step on.
- Yellow jacket nests can be disturbed simply by vibrations which means that if a nest has been built in your yard, and you decide to mow anywhere near that nest, you are likely to be attacked.
- Yellow jackets sometimes build their nests in places like outbuildings, old furniture, stacked items, or other unexpected places.
- Yellow jackets can cause more than just extreme pain when they sting. If a person goes into anaphylactic shock, especially if they have been stung multiple times, there is a chance those stings could result in death.
Is there a safe way to remove a yellow jacket nest on your property?
If you are dealing with yellow jackets on your property, the professionals here at Big Blue Bug Solutions can take care of them quickly and safely. We are equipped with the knowledge, products, and protective equipment to remove yellow jackets so that your property can be safe once again. Don't take chances with these deadly insects, get help today.