Have you experienced screaming kids when yellow jackets start coming around during a picnic? The fear of getting stung will energize kids like nothing else – other than free ice cream, this is one of the things that will get your kids moving the fastest. For some reason, a bee or yellow jacket sting will instill fear in everyone (including adults).

What are yellow jackets attracted to?

Yellow jackets are attracted to sweet smells – like the ones that come from food. If you’re having a picnic, chances are there will be yellow jackets around looking for something sweet to eat. Yellow jackets in particular are attracted to:

• Soda
• Beer
• Wine
• Juice
• Water with sugar or honey in it

Where do yellow jackets come from?

Yellow jackets usually build their nests in the ground, but they can also build them in trees, bushes, and other places. If you’re having a picnic and there’s a yellow jacket nest nearby, that’s probably why there are so many yellow jackets around. Yellow jackets like to make nests near water sources, so if you’re picnicking near a lake or river, that could be another reason why there are yellow jackets around.

Are yellow jackets good for the environment like honey bees are?

Unlike honey bees, yellow jackets are not good for the environment. Honey bees pollinate flowers and help to produce food like fruits and vegetables. Yellow jackets don’t do any of that. In fact, yellow jackets are considered pests because they can sting people and animals, and their nests can be a nuisance.

So, what can you do to get rid of yellow jackets when your kids are eating outside?

• Keep food covered – this will help to keep the yellow jackets away from the food and prevent them from getting to it.
• Move the picnic away from areas where yellow jackets are known to nest – if you’re not sure where these areas are, ask a local park ranger or beekeeper.
• Use traps – there are yellow jacket traps that you can purchase or make yourself. These work by attracting the yellow jackets into the trap

How can you get rid of yellow jackets?

There are a few things you can do to get rid of yellow jackets:

• Use a yellow jacket trap – these traps use bait to lure the yellow jackets in and then they get trapped inside. You can buy yellow jacket traps at most hardware stores.

• Make your own yellow jacket trap – you can also make your own yellow jacket trap using a plastic bottle and some bait (like soda or honey water). Cut the top off the bottle and inverted it so that it fits snugly into the bottom part of the bottle. Fill the bottom part of the bottle with bait and then wait for the yellow jackets to come in.

• Call an exterminator – if you’re having a lot of trouble with yellow jackets, you may want to call an exterminator. Exterminators can help to get rid of yellow jackets by getting rid of their nest.

• Use insecticide – you can also use insecticide to kill yellow jackets. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions.

The next time your kids are screaming and running around wildly because of a yellow jacket attack, think about these tips. If you are have sweet drinks, try to cover them up – these are ripe targets for yellow jackets. If yellow jackets are invading your picnic, this probably means that there is a next nearby – either in the ground or in a nearby tree, likely near a water source. Yellow jacket traps will – if there are too many to deal with, call an exterminator. Unlike honey bees, yellow jackets are pests and NOT friends of the environment.

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