Wasps and bees too near human activities spell inevitable conflicts. Yellowjackets cause almost all bee stings and are common picnic pests in late summer. In balance, though, these insects are beneficial as predators of pest insects. In their late-season scavenging, they will tackle insects as large as caterpillars. Banded yellow and black yellowjackets nest underground. They may fly as far as 1,000 yards from the colony, so often the nest is difficult to locate.

Nest destruction is the best control when nests are too close to homes or other areas of human activity. If nests must be destroyed, follow these steps: