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Yellowjackets -- More
Than Just a Bad Fashion Statement By John Albright, Biologist - Public Information Specialist at Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District It has been said that those of us who do not learn from
history are condemned to repeat it. The history of Shasta County is rife with
the tales of outdoor summer activities laid to waste by marauding hoards of
yellowjackets. Well, at least it's a minor part of our oral tradition. In any
case, those of you who have learned from history that getting stung is no fun
would probably like to know what to do about it. Knowledge is the best weapon
against yellowjackets, and right now is the best time to fight them. There are two types of yellowjackets that occur locally which
will boldly challenge your right to eat a freshly grilled burger in peace. Both
types over winter as solitary females. At this time of the year they will seek
out locations to build new nests. Since these nests will contain 500 to 5,000
yellowjackets by the end of summer it is best to solve the problem now, when
getting rid of individual insects can be truly effective. Very efficient
yellowjacket traps are commercially available at most stores that have garden
sections. If the trap is set carefully, according to the directions, the
potential queens can be lured to their doom before they get a chance to start a
new nest. The queens will only fly for a short time till they produce offspring
to forage for them. If you wait to set traps for a few more weeks you will
probably catch many more yellowjackets, but that will only prove that you waited
too long. Careful maintenance around your yard can also help keep
yellowjacket activity at bay by eliminating potential nesting sites. Plugging
holes in exterior walls, removing dead tree stumps, filling tree holes, and
cleaning up debris that can provide a hiding place for their melon-sized paper
nests are effective ways to discourage the presence of yellowjackets on your
property. Hopefully this will persuade them to move down the street to take
residence at that place where the used tire collection is bringing down your
property values. For More Information:
(530) 365-3768 For Brochures about Yellowjackets and other vector-related subjects follow this link.
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