yellow jacket control

I have recently seen quite a few yellow jackets flying around the front of my house, in a couple of different areas. From what I have read, it appears that it is the correct time of year for them to start looking for spots to build a colony. Currently, it seems that they are concentrating at 1 or 2 particular areas. Is there any way to deter them trying to build a colony? Thanks.

 

Sure. Kill them.

There are many stand off sprays available that will do the job. When you see them starting to congregate, hose them down with a lethal spray and they will be discouraged.

 

At least here in the northeast it's early for nest building. It's not too early to seal, caulk, close off harborage though. Could the activity be related to pollination and blooming flowers nearby?

Deterring them with the long-range aerosols is a good idea. You must look frequently, though as it can happen fast.

Todays aeros are safe to use on vinyl/alum siding. Initially they stained, etched the siding-made for unpleasant experiences for us bug guys, homeowners, diy'ers alike.

Never seal or caulk an established nest-they will chew thru the interior somewhere and your house will look like a bad horror movie. Always treat the nest first and wait days until you are sure there is no activity. We always get some emergency calls from well-intentioned diy'ers who thought they could "suffocate" the nest by sealing it in. Sounds logical, but it backfires.

 

If you have landscape timbers or railroad ties for any borders, check close to them, as they will build under and within the voids of the lumber. Sprays are the best deterrent and keep you out of harm's way. Remember for every entrance, there is an escape hatch, so they will come out somewhere else if their primary hole is compromised.