You'll find them daubing mud under your awning and digging holes in your garden. Yellow jackets are social wasps, and, like their cousins, they have a mean sting. They're not particularly aggressive, though, tending to attack only when their nest has been disturbed. They also have a knack for killing pest species such as caterpillars and cockroaches. If you're allergic or if the yellow jackets have proven themselves a threat, you can whip up a bug-killing spray using common household goods.
Step 1
Select a spray bottle capable of long-distance firing. You'll want to stand as far as possible from the yellow jackets when you spray them. Of all the times a yellow jacket might sting, you're most likely to get stung while attacking its nest.
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Step 2
Mix 1 tablespoon of detergent and 2 cups of water. Alternatively, mix equal parts of water and liquid soap. Mint or peppermint soap is especially effective.
Step 3
Fill the spray bottle with the mixture.
Step 4
Stand as far as you can from the nest. If possible, stand close to a door so you can run inside if swarmed.
Step 5
Spray the yellow jackets. The soapy water will weigh down their wings and keep them from flying. They'll fall to the ground and slowly asphyxiate.
Step 6
Crush them with a shoe to make sure they die.
Step 7
Knock down their nest with a broom or a stick. Crush the nest before disposing of it.
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