Talk:Yellowjacket

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"These wasps are responsible for at least three deaths in North America, when a man named Earl Wells fell from his ladder into their underground nest, when a man named Albert Wellner disturbed a swarm with his lawnmower, and when a small boy named Harrison Johnson found a swarm in the backyard." Anyone have a source for this? Thanx 68.39.174.150 12:59, 16 May 2005 (UTC)

I'm watching a National Geographic show called "Bug Attack" that tells this story, including an interview with relatives of Mr. Wellner. I'm wondering about the statement in the article about "at least 3 deaths..." This number seems very low to me. That number may be people who were literally stung to death, but I'm seeing quotes of about 40 deaths per year in the US due to allergic reactions to individual stings. Joyous (talk) 02:59, August 14, 2005 (UTC)

1 Scientific classification consistency
2 Getting rid of yellowjackets
3 Yellowjacket nests
- 3.1 evading their stings
4 Giant nests
5 Stung September 9 2006
6 Gallery

[edit] Scientific classification consistency

The scientific classification charts on wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket are not consistent, making it impossible to compare how closely related these insects are. I am not familiar enough with them to make the correction. --zandperl 04:15, 13 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Getting rid of yellowjackets

I found an easy and efficient way to destroy a nest of yellowjackets (living in the ground) in an Audibon insect field guide. The nest normally has one tunnel/door, and blocking it will only cause them to dig a new tunnel. Instead, cover their doorway with a large clear bowl and seal the edges with mud. Since they can get out of their doorway, they will not dig a new one, and within about a week they will starve to death. Install the bowl at night for safety, and NEVER wear a "headlight" (forehead mounted flashlight). If awakened, the wasps will go right for any light source. (from one who knows!) -Andy

[edit] Yellowjacket nests

Yellowjacket nests are usually underground or in logs or such places, not aerial! -Ben

Aerial nests are not uncommon. There are several species, and they each have their preferences. They are also opportunists, taking what cavities they can find, or occasionally, simply nesting in a dense bush.Pollinator 17:51, 10 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] evading their stings

they must be smarter than you think! Further research is needed based on my recent experience. I stumbled upon a nest and a couple of dozen chased me for 100 yards and somehow they knew to stay to my backside when I stopped and tried to swat them away. They must be able to know an aggressors's front and back side. this is my conclusion; or else, they are really shy. I do not know how to confirm this theory , but it was most convincing after two run-ins that resulted in numerous bites. I do not want to destroy their nest until further research can be done.

[edit] Giant nests

If any one cares. http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/NEWS02/607170317/1009 Zerath13

I saw a nest of this size many years ago, so I don't think the finding represents an invasive species. Most likely it's a chance event, where colonies survive winter and have multiple queens. Pollinator 17:51, 10 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Stung September 9 2006

I have stumbled on 2 nest on our property. I as I was moving hay and you guessed it I was stung but only once. They had built their net in the bales of hay. It was amazing. Yesterday I was leveling a mound where a tree had fallen and uprooted. I was stung 6 times as I ran for the pool (up hill and 50 ft instead of the pond that was 10 ft away. My husband and I walked down last evening and found the nest. We sprayed wasp and hornet killer in the hole it did not seem to bother them. They just came flying out. Hindsite - instead of spraying we should have closed it off. I thought if there is a front door then there is a backdoor too. Unknown to me (and him) my husband had actually found the nest last week when mowing. They chased him, he jumped off the mower, they attacked the mower and several stole his beer (they just fell in they didn't actually carry it off. He nor I ever thought about them being underground.

One of the stings (on my bicep) is not giving me any problem although it is quite alarming to have a large red ring around each sting. One stung me on one of knuckles through my leather glove it is not as bad but itches like crazy. One stung me on my forearm, it it bruised, swollen, painful and itches. The last 3 stings were on my back. No swelling but is painfull and itches.

I am sure it was comical to see me run, scream, swat and dive fully clothed into the pool. I am thankful the pool was there. (My husband asked me why I didn't jump into the pond Yea right.) For several muistes, I could barely get my breath, I couldn't speak. I am not sure if that was reactions from the sting or scared to almost death. Cla10544 12:27, 10 September 2006 (UTC)Cathy A. Salem, AL

My experience with wasp and hornet killer is that it often doesn't. It just sets off the alarms, and make stings more likely. Ground nesters can easily and safely be eliminated with a bucket of soapy water. But in most cases they are only a problem for a short time, and 99.9% of the colonies die out with the first good freeze. Pollinator 17:51, 10 September 2006 (UTC)