Did you know that the venom of yellow jackets is neutralized by baking soda? Baking soda works naturally to neutralize yellow jacket venom, and vinegar acts as astringent, helping you to avoid clawing at the bite, which may cause further inflammation and infection. The two ingredients are also very effective in neutralizing yellow jacket venom. Try these remedies for a quick and painless relief. The next time you encounter a yellow jacket, remember to stay calm and avoid touching it.
Wasps
In North America, the predatory social wasps belonging to the genera Dolichovespula and Vespula are commonly known as “yellowjackets.” These insects are also called “wasps” in other English-speaking countries. They are highly invasive, making them a serious nuisance. But what is the difference between wasps and yellowjackets? How can they be identified and avoided?
The most common and most destructive wasp is the yellow jacket, which is characterized by its distinctive yellow and black domains. These pests can be extremely dangerous, and their size makes identification a chore. These insects are also extremely aggressive, especially during late summer and early fall when the weather turns warm. Yellow jackets are often aggressive and may sting humans or pets. You should avoid them in any situation where you may encounter them.
Social insects
We’ve all heard of social wasps and ants, but how well do we understand them? This study looks at the German yellowjacket wasp, a black-and-yellow domaind wasp that possesses complex communication and behavior. While ants use pheromone trails to communicate with one another, the waggle dance is an iconic example of social wasp behavior. Here’s what we can learn from this study.
The researchers use a pith helmet and beekeeper’s uniforms to collect the insects. These helmets have air holes about the size of a silver dollar, which yellow jackets use to push through. The air holes in the pith helmet are filled with tape to keep the insects out, but the jackets often push through them anyway. The scientists then use video cameras to observe the yellow jackets’ social behavior.
Carnivores
Though they are not known for their taste in meat, yellow jackets are primarily carnivores that feed on other insects, including caterpillars, beetles, flies, and mosquito larvae. The fully grown yellow jackets typically feed on small insects and eat the flesh and byproducts of their prey. The larvae also feed on a sweet liquid produced by other insects.
Although not known for their venom, yellowjackets are known for their aggressive behavior around food sources. They will repeatedly sting you if they perceive you as a threat. Female yellow jackets can sting repeatedly without losing their stingers. The venom from a single yellow jacket sting can cause a severe allergic reaction. Yellow jackets can sting you multiple times if they find you close to their nest.
Invasive species
Yellowjackets are large, black-and-yellow wasps that are a nuisance to people and the environment. Nests consist of multiple tiers of vertical cells and are covered by a papery envelope with an entrance hole. They prefer to build their nests in burrows of rodents, but sometimes they choose buildings or other protected areas for their nests. Yellowjackets begin a colony when one female begins to reproduce, and the nest may consist of a dozen or more individuals.
The two main species of yellow jackets in the U.S. are German yellow jackets and eastern yellow jackets. They are social insects that live in underground nests and feed on proteins and sweets. The species of yellow jackets are also known for destroying structures and affecting outdoor activities. They often find homes in attics and recycle bins. They build nests in the ground and underground, but they can also invade buildings.
Nesting sites
While yellow jackets typically build their nests outdoors, you can find them in your home, too. Some places they may build a nest are eaves, gutters, holes in brick, and decks. We recently heard some buzzing sounds in the ceiling of our upstairs room. These little creatures will chew wood to build their nests, but they are also powerful enough to tear drywall. If you find a yellow jacket nest inside your home, don’t attempt to remove it yourself!
Although most yellowjackets will eat wood, you can help them avoid human contact by protecting your home from these creatures. Ground-nesting yellowjackets are particularly aggressive and may attack humans while they are feeding outdoors. Regardless of their aggressive nature, yellowjacket colonies continue to grow throughout the summer and into the fall. They lay eggs, mated queens, and produce new queens and males. While rain can affect their nests, newly mated queens will usually find shelter in a shed, garage, or other protected area.
Treatments
There are several different treatments for yellow jackets, most of which you probably already have in your home. While these insects are largely harmless, their aggressiveness and tendency to sting multiple times make them an especially hazardous insect to live with. Some of the best treatments are those you already have in your home, such as soap, ibuprofen, and Tylenol. In case of emergency, you can also purchase an EpiPen.
If a yellow-jacket sting causes an allergic reaction, you may want to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for anaphylaxis varies depending on the severity of the reaction. Mild symptoms can usually be treated at home, while more severe reactions can only be managed with medical attention. Those who are particularly sensitive to insect stings are at high risk of experiencing a severe reaction, which may even result in anaphylactic shock. For these individuals, it is important to exercise extra caution during wasp season to prevent contact with yellow jackets.
