From The Sacramento Bee
July 24, 2017
Yellowjacket infestations are hitting Sacramento County early this year, prompting specialists to eradicate the sometime aggressive insects whose sting can sometime kill.
The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District has received numerous calls from residents battling yellowjacket nests on their property. The yellowjacket population problem usually shows itself in late summer or fall.
“It’s definitely early to see yellowjackets now,” said Gary Goodman, district manager.
The district has recently received calls from Rancho Cordova and Folsom, but the biggest problem has come from Herald, a rural community in southeastern Sacramento County.
“We recently treated nearly 90 yellowjacket nests on a five-acre property near the eucalyptus groves,” said Goodman. “When you consider that each nest can have hundreds to thousands of yellowjackets, this can quickly become a threat to residents.”
County residents may call the district if they need help in removing nests. If a colony is disturbed, the wasps can become persistent and pugnacious, increasing the risk of stings.