Don’t Let German Yellowjackets Spoil Fall Plans In Illinois

Fall is just around the corner in Illinois, and while many wonderful traditions and experiences come along with the season, there is one terrible thing about it: German Yellowjackets.

What Are German Yellowjackets?

You know when you go to a local apple orchard to enjoy some hot apple cider and donuts only to have the moment ruined by swarming, buzzing jerks?

Those pests aren't harmless honeybees, they are German Yellowjackets, and they really like the fall season too.

Important Things to Know About German Yellowjackets

I'm a firm believer that in order to beat an enemy, you need to know everything about them. Here are some important things you need to understand about German Yellowjackets before you declare war against them:

• German Yellowjackets are actually wasps, not bees.
• German Yellowjackets are good pollinators, but very territorial and mean.
• German Yellowjackets typically build their nests in the ground and hate loud sounds and vibrations, so something simple like mowing your lawn will really tick them off.
• Getting rid of German Yellowjackets nests in your yard is not easy, and must be done carefully.

How To Get Rid of German Yellowjackets In Your Yard

If you spot German Yellowjackets entering and leaving from a hole in your yard, guess what? You have a nest problem.

According to Do-It-Yourself Pest Control and Lawn Care:

When attempting to get rid of Yellowjackets, do it at night, when it is dark outside. Yellow Jackets do not see well, and the chances of being stung are significantly reduced. Also, at night the whole colony will be present in the yellow jacket nest, making the treatment more effective.

So, what is the treatment? That's the tricky part. This video should help:

If the fight against German Yellowjacket nests is an annual problem for you, DIY Pest Control has some helpful prevention tips you might want to try. Read the full article, here. 

Good luck!