Discover the surprising reason behind wasps and yellowjackets swarming your trees—it’s not what you might think! Learn how aphids and honeydew-producing insects draw these stingers to your garden and find out effective strategies to tackle the root cause. Gain control of your outdoor spaces with our expert tips on managing these pests naturally and safely.
As summer warms up here in Oregon, we’re joined by some less-than-welcome neighbors: Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Bald-Faced Hornets. Though they might seem similar at a glance, each has distinct traits and behaviors that set them apart. For example, Paper Wasps are relatively docile and easier to manage, while Yellow Jackets are notorious for their aggressive nature and tendency to crash our summer barbecues. Bald-Faced Hornets, with their striking black and white coloring, can be easier to identify and are known for their painful stings and formidable nest defenses. Recognizing these differences is crucial not only for safe identification but also for managing potential encounters with these stinging insects.
When using pheromone traps, it’s important to place them in the right location. Traps should be placed in areas where wasps and yellow jackets are likely to be found, such as near garbage cans and fruit trees. Avoid placing them in areas actively occupied by people, because due to the pheromone they will attract the wasps to them. Instead place them on the periphery to draw the wasps away. They should also be placed early in the spring before the queens have had a chance to establish their nests.
Mad at me you fly/ You think I threaten your home/ I was just mowing I wrote that Haiku. It’s bad. But you know what isn’t all bad? Wasps. When it comes to public relations wasps have really gotten the short end of the stick. While bumble bees and...