Michigan Yellow Jackets Are Getting Worse, Here’s Why

I've been grilling out on my deck all summer, but it feels like the bees have gotten a lot worse in the last week or so. And if you've noticed the same thing, there's actually a pretty good reason for it.

Are Yellow Jackets Actually Bees?

First, what we're dealing with may not actually be bees. Yellow jackets are native wasps, and late summer and early fall is when they can become a real nuisance around

">Michigan homes, backyards, picnics and, of course, the grill.

According to Sarah Hughson, an arthropod diagnostician with Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostics, yellow jackets are at their most aggressive in August and September.

Why Yellow Jackets Love Michigan Barbecues

That's because their nests are reaching peak populations at the same time their food sources are starting to disappear. And unfortunately, your backyard barbecue has just about everything they're looking for.

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Adult yellow jackets like sugary foods, including fruit and nectar. They also collect protein for their larvae, which can include insects, caterpillars and, yes, your hamburger.

How to Protect Yourself And Your Food From Yellow Jackets

So what can you do? The easiest answer is to keep food covered and, if possible, screen in the area where you're eating. If the yellow jackets are really bad, moving the party indoors may be your safest option.

And whatever you do, don't start swatting at them. Yellow jackets can sting multiple times and don't die after stinging according to MLive.

What To Do If You Find A Yellow Jacket Nest?

If you find a nest, experts recommend avoiding it whenever possible. Yellow jackets actually serve a purpose by eating garden pests according to Gardening Know How. But if a nest is somewhere you can't avoid, or someone in your household is allergic, professional pest control may be the safest option.

One other important tip: if a nest is treated, don't immediately seal up the opening. Yellow jackets can create another opening, potentially bringing them into your home.

September Is Prime Time For Yellow Jackets In Michigan

Thankfully, this problem is seasonal. As temperatures drop, the workers die off and the queen leaves the nest to hibernate. So if your backyard has suddenly become a yellow jacket hangout, you're definitely not alone. And unfortunately, September is pretty much prime time for these little guys.