The stunning landscape surrounding Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden is a showcase of towering saguaros, desert plants, and delicate blooms. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to roam the paths of this majestic 50-acre desert region. While people may enjoy the variety and beautiful colors of the delicate blooms, the yellow jacket enjoys the pollen. The attractive scents that lure yellow jackets can also be a source that brings them to your property.
Identifying Yellow Jackets In Phoenix
Yellow jackets are black with yellow markings on the front of the head and yellow bands around their abdomen. Workers can range from 3/8 to 5/8 inches long. A yellow jacket's body is smooth and narrows at its abdomen and thorax. They have antennae, six legs, two wings, and a spear-like stinger.
Yellow jackets are social insects and live in nests or colonies that can have up to 4,000 workers. Late summer and early autumn are when a yellow jacket colony is at its peak, and food supplies become short. When food and water become scarce, barbecues, picnics, dog and cat food, garbage cans, and overripe fruit become excessively attractive. They make their nests in various areas out of chewed cellulose that has a paper-like appearance.
Some areas yellow jackets create nests inside include:
- Rodent burrows
- Trees
- Bushes
- Building eaves
- Ceilings
- Sheds
- Cavities within structured walls
Yellow jackets are one of a small group of insects that are happy to build their nest on the ground or in the air making them extremely versatile.
How Dangerous Are Phoenix Yellow Jackets?
A few yellow jackets flying about is not usually a serious problem. In fact, they are environmentally friendly. When their nest goes undisturbed, they are typically slow to sting. However, yellow jackets get madly defensive when you get near or disturb their nest. Even everyday yard activities can cause vibrations and sounds that can whip yellow jackets into a fury. They can sting their victims repeatedly (especially when trapped in clothing) and inject a venom that causes intense pain. Allergic reactions or repeated stings can both lead to a rush trip to the hospital.
White Knight Pest Control Can Tackle Phoenix Yellow Jackets
When locating a yellow jacket nest, it is best to call professionals who know how to remove them safely. White Knight Pest Control is equipped and experienced in yellow jacket removal. Because yellow jacket nests can be dangerous to you and those you care about, we offer same-day service whenever possible. Our company offers annual service plans to eliminate yellow jackets and their nests. Reach out to White Knight Pest Control today to learn how to keep yellow jackets away throughout the year.
The Secret To Living Free Of Yellow Jackets
Before yellow jackets become an issue on your property there are options that can help them deter them. Being proactive by making simple adjustments around your property can help make your yard less attractive to yellow jackets.
Some of these steps include:
- Keep gutters and drainage systems clear.
- Repairs leaks.
- Avoid overwatering gardens and potted plants.
- Repair cracks around your property.
- Seal open areas with caulk.
- Fill in holes in your yard.
- Plant flowers that repel yellow jackets.
- Distance fruit trees well away from dwellings.
- Eliminate vegetation that attracts spiders, caterpillars, and flies.
- Remove fallen trees, stumps, and other debris from your yard.
- Equip outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep sugary foods and drinks covered while eating outside.
For the best protection against yellow jackets and other stinging pests, call White Knight Pest Control today.