Yellow Jackets By: Mike Kobus

Oh, the joys of summer—bright sunny mornings working in the garden and mowing the lawn (bee careful!). Taking a leisurely hike in the forest (watch your step). Having a late afternoon barbecue on the back deck (what keeps buzzing around my hamburger?). What are they? Yellow jackets—one of the most aggressively annoying pests in El Dorado County.

Yellow jackets are a type of vespid wasp. They are often mistaken for bees but can be identified by their lack of hair. Yellow jackets also tend to have brighter yellow and black markings on their abdomen. These bright markings serve as a warning to predators and potential foes that they are dangerous—a defense mechanism known as warning coloration.

Like other wasps, yellow jackets chew bits of wood and leaves to make a “paper” nest. The most common nesting site is a hole in the ground with a small, single entrance. However, nests can also be found hanging from tree branches, in holes in trees, under the eaves of houses, or even in attics—basically anywhere dry and undisturbed. If you find a nest on your property, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to safely remove it due to the potential danger.

Yellow jackets are notorious scavengers. They eat everything from roadkill and rotting fruit to insects and, of course, our picnic scraps. They can forage up to 1,000 feet from their nest and will attack if they feel threatened. If one lands on you while foraging, you're likely safe as long as you remain calm—swatting at them, however, can provoke aggression. These wasps are also drawn to brightly colored clothing. Unlike bees, yellow jackets can sting multiple times and may also bite. Many people are allergic to their stings, making encounters even more dangerous.

Several summers ago was a particularly intense season for yellow jackets in El Dorado County. It felt like no picnic or backyard barbecue was safe. I vividly remember a late August birthday party at Cameron Park Lake, where the pesky insects swarmed like F-16 jets with laser-guided, meat-seeking missiles. I’ve heard countless stories of people accidentally disturbing yellow jacket nests, resulting in stings and even hospital visits. One friend of mine was raking leaves when he disturbed a nest and was stung 18 times before being rushed to Marshall Hospital. He survived, but he’s much more cautious with his rake now!

Yellow jacket season typically begins in late March to May, depending on the weather, and lasts until the fall. Queens are the first to emerge in the spring, scouting for nesting sites to establish their colonies.

As the yellow jacket season approaches, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially during outdoor activities. Whether you're barbecuing or raking leaves, remember that these insects can be more than just a nuisance—they can pose real risks. If you notice a nest on your property, be sure to call Koby Pest Control for safe and professional removal.