Yellow jackets are back—here’s how to stay safe

Yellow jackets are buzzing around Massachusetts again, and they’re more than just a backyard nuisance. These aggressive insects can cause serious allergic reactions, even anaphylactic shock, if you’re stung. I’ve noticed more activity on my deck lately, so I’m refreshing my traps and wanted to share some quick tips: seal your trash, don’t leave pet food outside, wipe down grills, and check for cracks where they might nest. Peppermint oil spray and fake wasp nests can help, too. Anyone else seeing more yellow jackets this year? What’s working for you to keep them away? #Pets #Massachusetts #YellowJackets

Massachusetts • 28 days ago

Tom1988

Those darn yellow jackets will chase you for a 1/4 mile.

28d

Quincy, MA

Guest

Pretty sure they never went away

28d

Cary Mayers

Racoons will eat them!!! I put a bowl of cat food near the nest, next morning both gone!

27d

Port Jervis, NY

Cathy Sennot

the underground nests are difficult to spot - then you're stung

28d

Barbara Silveri

I had one outside my front door under the bush as you walked out. I was stung once, and my husband twice totally unprovoked. I heard they do not like cinnamon and garlic. And that if you put it around their nest, they will leave. I figured what do i have to lose one night as it was getting dark, I took and poured about 1/4 cup mixed of cinnamon and garlic powder on top of their nest. knock on wood. I haven't seen them since.

28d

Whitman, MA

Reply(1)

Sharyn Young (Queenie)

wait until night, they're all in and light it up! only way 👍

25d

Taunton, MA

Reply(2)

Jessica Chick/Taylor

I absolutely hate yellow jackets, hornets are fine they just fly away but yellow jackets are out for blood!!

28d

Brookfield, MA

Christine

they are meat eaters. Mid September they get savage

28d

West Warwick, RI

Sharon Shelton

thank you. good tips 🥰

28d

Tyngsborough, MA

Jackie Geberth St Lawrence

I was told by a bee keeper that the best way to get rid of an underground nest is to pour one cup of gasoline in hole and cover with a rock. The fumes with travel through the nest and kill them. The key is covering completely with a rock and one cup of gas is not a hazard.