Yellowjacket populations are larger and food sources are scarcer in the fall, which means they’re likely to be more aggressive about food.
It’s not in your head. Yellowjackets are genuinely harder to deal with in the fall and there tend to be more of them too. That’s because this is the time of year when different pressures start to mount and they get desperate.
Earlier in the season, workers spend much of their time supporting a growing nest. As the colony reaches the later part of its annual cycle, available food and colony demands change. That can make workers especially noticeable around easy food sources. This is what pushes them to go after trash, soda, juice, fruit, desserts, meat, and pet food.
It doesn’t help that fall is also a great time for outdoor dining. They have more contact with people. A yellowjacket repeatedly hovering around a plate or drink can feel aggressive even when it is primarily searching for food. Swatting at the insect or disturbing a nearby nest can increase the chance of a sting.
To help reduce wasp encounters, you can start by tightly sealing trash and cleaning up sugary spills immediately. Remove leftover food from patios after meals and rinse drink containers before placing them in outdoor recycling. It’s also wise to cover food when possible at outdoor gatherings.
As for the colony itself, pay attention to flight patterns. If yellowjackets are consistently entering and leaving the same opening in the ground, wall, roofline, landscaping feature, or other structure, a nest may be nearby.
If it’s late summer, it’s dangerous to try to take down a wasp nest on your own. It’s best to call a professional. Avoid also the temptation to block the nest or seal the hole. Wasps can and will chew their way out, and they’ll be more aggravated when they do.
If yellowjackets are becoming a problem around your Los Angeles property, Mosquito Squad of Los Angeles can help with pest control around the property. Call (818) 350-8870 or request a free quote online.
