Yellow jacket season – will this be a bad one?

As the weather warms up, many homeowners start asking: Will this be a bad year for yellow jackets? The answer often lies in the weather, particularly in what kind of May we have. But first, let’s go over the basics of yellow jacket behavior and biology to better understand what drives their population booms

Know Your Yellow Jackets

In our region, there are several species of yellow jackets, but two are the most common:

• The Common Yellow Jacket (Vespula vulgaris): This species often nests in or on houses, sheds, wood piles, and trash heaps.
• The Western Yellow Jacket (Vespula pensylvanica): This one prefers to nest in the ground and can be a real hazard if disturbed outdoors.

All yellow jackets are capable of stinging, and will do so aggressively if provoked. Their nests typically die off in the fall when freezing temperatures arrive, though this can be as late as December. Before that happens, a small number of queens will leave the nest to find protected spaces where they can overwinter until the next spring.

Sometimes, these overwintering queens end up inside our homes and become active on the first warm, sunny days—so don’t be surprised if you spot one buzzing around indoors!

What Happens in Spring?

In the spring, these queens emerge and begin searching for new nesting sites. It’s important to note: yellow jackets never reuse old nests.

Starting a new colony is a tough job for the queen. She must:

• Lay eggs
• Feed and care for her young
• Forage for food
• Gather nesting materials
• Defend the nest all on her own

This is a high-stress time for her, especially in May, which is the most critical month for yellow jacket survival.

May Weather Determines the Season

If May is warm and dry, queens are more likely to survive and successfully raise their first broods. Once the initial workers hatch, they take over foraging and nest duties, allowing the queen to stay inside and continue laying eggs.

If May is cold and wet, however, many queens won’t survive, and the yellow jacket population for the summer will be much lower.

So, if you’re wondering how bad the yellow jacket season might be, keep an eye on the May forecast!

Yellow Jacket Tips for Homeowners

• Use traps wisely: Don’t place yellow jacket traps near patios, porches, or picnic tables. That only attracts them to the area. Instead, place traps at least 50 feet away from your BBQ or outdoor dining space—ideally on a fence or tree.
• Need help? If yellow jackets are giving you trouble, All Seasons Pest Control is here to help. Whether it’s nest removal, prevention, or dealing with a late-season surge, our experts have you covered.