Things That Attract Yellowjacket Wasps
Top 5 Yellowjacket Attractants and How to Get Rid of Them
Here in Savannah, yellowjacket wasps are a real annoyance and notorious for ruining summer gatherings with their painful stings. In this blog, we'll go over five things that yellowjackets are attracted to and tips on how to get rid of them.
1. Yellowjackets Are Attracted To Protein‑Rich Foods
In early summer, yellowjackets are on the hunt for protein to feed their young. Foods like meat, pet food, and picnic leftovers are top targets. When the adults feed their larvae, the larvae produce a sugary secretion that the adult wasps need and ingest.
How to eliminate wasps
Keep meat and protein items covered when grilling or dining outside.
Feed pets indoors or remove uneaten food immediately.
Secure compost piles and use lidded containers for food scraps.
2. Yellowjackets Need Sugary Drinks & Sweet Treats
By late summer, yellowjackets shift their diet toward sugars and carbohydrates. Sweet drinks, fruit juices, and desserts become irresistible. As the queen stops laying eggs and larvae production declines, the adult wasps no longer get the sugary secretions that larvae used to produce in return. This is why yellowjackets seek out sugary foods and drinks—to fuel their own energy needs. They're body need carbohydrate-rich foods for survival, which is why they seem especially aggressive around sweet foods and drinks later in the season.
How to eliminate wasps
Use lids or straws on drinks when dining outdoors.
Clean up spills and wipe down tables promptly.
Cover dessert trays with mesh domes or keep them indoors.
3. Yellowjackets Are Attracted To Bright Colors & Sweet Scents
Yellowjackets are visual hunters. They are particularly drawn to bright colors like yellow, white, and blue, which stand out in their environment and often signal flowers nearby or food sources. This is one reason why wearing bright clothing or floral patterns can attract yellowjackets—they may mistake you for a food source or something worth investigating.
How to eliminate wasps
Wear neutral-colored clothing during outdoor activities.
Skip floral-scented perfumes, lotions, and soaps before heading outside.
Avoid using scented candles or air fresheners near patios or picnic areas.
4. Yellowjacket Wasps Hover Over Open Trash Bins & Food Scraps
Exposed garbage is a goldmine for yellowjackets, especially if it contains food waste or sugary residues.
How to eliminate yellowjackets
Always use bins with tight-fitting lids..
Rinse recyclables to remove residue.
Clean trash cans weekly with soapy water.
5. Fallen Fruit & Flowering Plants
Fallen fruit and flowering plants are major attractants for yellowjackets because they offer sugar and nectar. As fruit ripens and ferments, it produces a strong scent that yellowjacket wasps find attractive. Similarly, flowering plants provide nectar, a natural sugar source that yellowjackets rely on for energy.
How to eliminate yellowjackets
Pick up fallen fruit from trees daily.
Prune overgrown plants and remove excess blooms.
Consider using netting on fruit trees during peak season.
Why Are Yellowjackets so Bad in Savannah
Yellowjacket wasps are especially bad in Savannah due to the warm, humid climate, which allows their colonies to thrive and sometimes even survive the winter. The area's lush vegetation and abundant food sources, like trash and fallen fruit, attract wasps in large numbers. By late summer and fall, yellowjackets become more aggressive as natural food sources decline, making them a greater threat to people and pets.
Tips on Getting Rid of Yellowjacket Wasps
Natural repellents like essential oils, especially peppermint, clove, and lemongrass, can help deter yellowjackets. These oils give off strong scents that overpower the wasps' sense of smell, making the area less attractive to them. While natural repellents won't eliminate a nest, they can help create a less appealing environment and reduce the chances of unwanted yellowjacket encounters.
Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture around outdoor seating areas, trash bins, doorways, and other spots where yellowjackets tend to gather.
Because essential oils break down quickly in sunlight and after rain, it's important to reapply regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Preventing yellowjacket invasions starts with understanding what attracts them. By eliminating protein and sugar sources, sealing garbage, maintaining your yard, and using natural deterrents, you can protect your family and enjoy summer activities worry-free.
If you require additional assistance, please contact the Preferred team. We're always here to help.
