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Wasps, Hornets and Yellowjackets

Posted by anna.kestell | July 28, 2018

Yellowjacket image

It is that time of year when the Paper Wasps, Hornets and Yellow Jacket Wasps are becoming painful pests. The WSU Master Gardeners have some helpful facts for management and controls.

“Lure traps can be placed around the periphery of the area you are trying to keep yellow jackets/hornets away from. Adding a protein source such as meat to the traps acts as an attractant and may increase the trap’s success. Be sure to replace the meat frequently and remove dead yellow jackets from the trap.” For more management information about paper wasps go to WSU Pestsense.

For more management information about yellow jacket wasps click here to go to WSU Pestsense.

 

These insects are not all bad…  “Paper wasps and yellow jacket wasps are primarily predators that prey on other insects. They may be considered beneficial in the home landscape because they prey on insects that are pests of landscape plants. Unfortunately, yellow jacket wasps can be aggressive scavengers, unwelcome visitors at picnics, and will defend their nest by attacking and stinging anything that appears to pose a threat. These behaviors make yellow jacket wasps a serious threat to homeowner safety and may necessitate control. Paper wasps, however, are much less aggressive in scavenging and stinging, so they can be discouraged from nesting in areas frequented by people and pets, and they can be managed in a way that allows homeowners to benefit from the pest management services they provide. For more information, click the link for WSU publication European Paper Wasp Fact Sheet.

The Spokane County Master Gardeners are available by telephone: (509) 477-2181 and by email at mastergardener@spokanecounty.org.

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