Find out how to get rid of yellow jackets by understanding what attracts them and using natural solutions.

However, yellow jackets are actuallybeneficial insectsin our gardens.

Like many wasp species, they are important pollinators and eat plant pests.

yellow jacket wasp on leaf

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To get rid of yellow jackets, youll first need to understand whats attracting them.

What Are Yellow Jackets?

Yellow jackets are social wasps that live in colonies.

entrance to yellow jacket nest in lawn with wasps

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What Attracts Yellow Jackets?

Yellow jackets may be annoying or produce panic for some, but like bees,they are pollinators.

If you have flowering plants, yellow jackets may buzz around in search of nectar.

They are also key in reducing pests in the garden.

When there are fewer flowers, yellow jackets start searching for sugary alternatives.

She says yellow jackets dont seem to like these plants.

It’s best to keep mint in containers because it will spread rampantly in garden beds.

Eierman suggests growing plants to distract them from other areas of your property.

She also recommends growingsmall, white flowersin areas with less human activity.

Cover Food

The smell of meat and sugary substances attracts yellow jackets.

Yellow jacket nest removal isnt a DIY project because it can require special equipment to do safely.