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Are Yellow Jackets Aggressive to Humans?

Are Yellow Jackets Aggressive to Humans
Yellow jackets can be very aggressive to humans, especially if their nests are disturbed. They tend to be more aggressive than other stinging insects

Yellow jackets can be very aggressive to humans, especially if their nests are disturbed. They tend to be more aggressive than other stinging insects.

Yellow jackets have been known to chase humans in order to protect their nets, and they may sting multiple times since they don’t lose their stingers like bees.

If you are stung by a yellow jacket, you may experience:

  • Pain: Pain, itching, or burning usually lasts for 1-2 hours.
  • Redness: Red rings formed from the stings can last for up to 3 days.
  • Swelling: Swelling can last for up to 2 days.

Most of these reactions tend to be mild and don’t require medical treatment. However, if symptoms are severe enough to cause swelling of the face or shortness of breath, you may need to visit the emergency room.

6 home remedies for yellow jacket stings

  1. Ice or cold compress. Wrap ice in a washcloth and gently place it on the affected area for about 15-20 minutes. This is a simple and effective way to alleviate pain and swelling caused by the sting.
  2. Antihistamines. Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine right after getting stung can reduce itching and swelling. Examples include:
    1. Brompheniramine
    2. Cetirizine
    3. Chlorpheniramine
    4. Clemastine
    5. Diphenhydramine
  3. Baking soda. Yellow jacket venom is acidic, which means that baking soda can help neutralize it. Mix a spoonful of baking soda with water and apply the paste over the affected area.
  4. Vinegar. To relieve itching, put a few drops of vinegar on a cotton ball and gently apply it to the affected area.
  5. Steroid cream. Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream at the site for symptom relief.
  6. Keep an Epi-Pen handy. If you have a history of allergic reactions to yellow jackets, keep an Epi-Pen handy in your purse or first aid kit.

How to get rid of yellow jackets and prevent stings

If you have yellow jackets in your area, follow these tips:

  • Don’t swat if a yellow jacket lands on your skin. Gently brush it away.
  • If you spot yellow jackets flying from a hole in the ground, do not disturb them because there is probably a nest in that hole.
  • Always cover food, including pet food.
  • Use sealed cans for garbage collection and empty them regularly.
  • Keep soda cans covered.
  • Dispose of any ripe fruit lying on the ground.
  • Make homemade traps using meat bait and hang them on a string just above soapy water. Install traps around patios or picnic areas.
  • Ask licensed pest control operators to locate yellow jacket nests and remove them.
  • If you want to get rid of the yellow jacket nests on your own, cover yourself with protective clothing. Wear long sleeves and boots. Use an insecticide spray that targets yellow jacket nests and shoots a long stream into the nest entrance.