Why Yellow Jackets Show Up at Your Cookout
Yellow jackets are drawn to several things that are often found at cookouts. Sweet drinks like soda, lemonade, juice, and alcohol are a big attraction. Leave your drink unattended, and you might find a yellow jacket taking a sip. They also love sugary foods like fruit, cupcakes, and other desserts. But it’s not just sweets that bring them in—these wasps are scavengers, and they’re just as interested in grilled meats. Proteins are especially important to them during the summer when they're feeding their young. On top of that, open trash, food waste, and dropped crumbs can all draw yellow jackets to your space. They’re not picky and won’t pass up an easy meal, no matter where it comes from.
Know the Signs of a Yellow Jacket Nest Nearby
If you’re seeing yellow jackets frequently around your yard, chances are good there’s a nest nearby. While they can travel a few hundred yards to find food, they typically stay close to home. A sudden spike in activity in one area is a sign worth paying attention to. Watch for yellow jackets flying in and out of holes in the ground, gaps in your siding, or spots like tree stumps and old logs. You might also hear buzzing or notice them gathering around sheds, under deck boards, or near patio furniture. These signs could point to an active nest, and it’s time to be cautious.
How to Keep Yellow Jackets Away
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce yellow jacket activity and protect your next cookout.
Before the Party
Take a few minutes to walk your yard and check for nests. Yellow jackets build paper-like nests that can be hidden in the ground, eaves, or shrubs. If above ground, they can grow as large as a volleyball. For natural deterrents, peppermint oil and decoy wasp nests can help keep them away. Even pointing a fan toward your food table can disrupt their flight and discourage them from hovering nearby. It also helps to keep your food setup away from trash bins and flowering plants that may already attract them.
During the Party
Keep food covered with mesh domes or lids. Use drink containers with lids or straws to reduce the chance of wasps landing inside. Trash cans should be sealed and placed away from seating areas. Also, remember that floral patterns, bright colors, and strong perfumes can attract yellow jackets, so skip those when dressing for outdoor events.
After the Party
Quick cleanup goes a long way. Wipe down tables and rinse out recyclables, especially anything sticky or sugary. Trash should be double-bagged and removed from the gathering area to discourage stinging insects and other nuisance pests like ants. The sooner you clean up, the less reason yellow jackets have to hang around.
When to Call in the Pros
If you discover a yellow jacket nest or suspect one is close by, it’s time to call the pros. Trying to handle it yourself—whether it’s spraying the nest, squashing the wasps, or hosing them down—can be dangerous. Yellow jackets are known for being territorial and aggressive, especially when they feel threatened. And if someone in your household is allergic to stings, the risk becomes much more serious. At Four Seasons Pest Control, we identify and treat yellow jacket nests using professional methods that eliminate the colony without putting your family at risk.
Protect Your Celebration with Four Seasons Pest Control
Don’t let yellow jackets ruin your summer celebrations. Whether you're getting ready for a big Fourth of July party or just noticed a troubling amount of yellow jacket traffic near your deck, Four Seasons Pest Control is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners in Southside Virginia, including Danville and South Boston, and North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, delivering reliable pest control services that keep yellow jackets and other pests away! Give us a call today and enjoy your cookouts in peace.
