Yellow Jackets

- Fast-moving black-and-yellow wasps aggressively investigating food and trash - Multiple stings delivered in quick succession by the same insect - Nests in ground cavities, eaves, or wall voids — often discovered by increased foraging - Late-summer behavior near sweet foods, open drinks, and trash containers

Professional dust injection into nest entrance at night (low activity); aerosol or foam for aerial nests; never seal entrance without full colony elimination; treat in early morning or evening for safety. We respond to nests with professional night-time dust injections for ground nests or foam/aerosol for aerial nests; never recommend homeowners attempt nest removal themselves.

• Keep outdoor food, beverages, and trash cans covered or sealed tightly.
• Inspect eaves, ground-level voids, and utility boxes for early nest formation in spring.
• Fill rodent burrows promptly to eliminate potential ground-nest sites.
• Avoid wearing sweet-scented perfumes and bright floral patterns near nest areas.
• Keep epinephrine auto-injector accessible if any household member has known venom allergy.
• Keep trash cans sealed and clean outdoor eating areas promptly after use
• Inspect eaves, soffits, and ground cavities in spring for early nest activity
• Fill rodent burrows and other ground cavities that invite nesting
• Avoid bright floral clothing and sweet perfumes when picnicking
• If anyone in the household is allergic, keep an epinephrine auto-injector accessible

Ground nests in abandoned rodent burrows, wall cavities, and attic spaces; aerial nests under eaves; colonies peak in late summer with 1,000–4,000 workers and maximum defensive aggression.

Yellow jackets are very common in Asheville during the warm months, especially around parks, picnic areas (including the Biltmore grounds and Pack Square events), and outdoor dining spots in downtown.