Like people, pests have three major needs to survive: shelter, food, and water.  While many pests can overwinter in the outdoors and can find water sources, even in the coldest weather, they are often tempted to invade homes, garages, barns, and other human-spaces for food.  Therefore, one of the best winter pest prevention tips that we can give is to secure your food so that you keep pests out of it.  However, if you have ever found yourself head-to-head with a wily pest, you may realize that securing food sources is easier said than done. For small or moderate-sized pests, securing food is a relatively easy accomplishment.  Any food storage area, whether designated for humans, pets, or livestock, should have food that is stored in airtight containers.  All food should be in these containers; no food should be accessible to pests; garbage should be removed frequently; and any spills or drops should be cleaned up immediately.  While adhering to these standards may reflect a lifestyle change for some people, the steps are neither complicated nor exceptionally difficult to execute. However, dealing with a larger pest, such as Norway rats, raccoons, or squirrels can make protecting food sources much more difficult.  First, many people store pet food in airtight plastic containers or store livestock food in large plastic storage bins or containers.  These containers are usually sufficient to deter small pests.  However, larger pests are known to eat through plastic to get to the food inside the storage container.  If you must store pet food outside, consider using metal garbage cans as storage units; their slick sides make it difficult for rodents to climb them, and the metal is much less susceptible to destruction.  Of course, you have to make sure you can fasten the lid; raccoons are notoriously able to knock off trash can lids to get to the contents inside.

About Viking Pest Control

Providing pest control solutions since 1980, Viking is the largest family owned pest control business in the northeast. Viking is a Quality Pro company and members with the NPMA. Viking offers both residential and commercial pest control service. Contact us today!

Pests of Fall: Pest-Proofing

Viking's Guide to Preventing Autumn Pests From Entering Your Home

When fall comes, animals begin to prepare for the winter.

They look for a warm place to live with easy access to food and water. As you can imagine, your home looks more appealing to most pests than of the areas surrounding it, which is why many people see a dramatic increase in pest populations as summer turns into autumn. It is also why fall is an ideal time to pest-proof your home. Because pests are generally seeking warmth, the first step in pest-prevention is preventing them from getting inside of your home, in the first place. To do this, you need to find potential pest entrances and close them up so that pests cannot enter through them. What is a pest entrance? Well, it is any break in your home’s exterior that would permit a pest to enter. Given how tiny many bugs are, the break does not have to be large. So, you want to inspect the entire exterior of your home. Weather-strip or caulk around doors and windows; caulk between trim and siding; clean and seal off soffit gaps; and secure your dryer vent so that pests cannot enter through it. In addition to warmth, pests are looking for water. Water is essential to life and a home without a ready water source for pests is going to be much less appealing than another location. However, even tiny water leaks can give pests the water they need to survive. Inspect all plumbing for leaks and fix them, especially under sinks where the dark, dank surroundings are a perfect breeding ground for pests. Water pipes and their openings can also provide a perfect way for pests to move in and out of buildings or between rooms; use caulk to close up any gaps and help prevent pests from using those areas for movement. Larger pests can easily chew though caulk, so if an opening is larger, use copper wire mesh to secure the hole prior to caulking. Some pests, like spiders, rely on humidity in the air. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas, like basements, to discourage those pests. Finally, pests need food. Secure all food in air-tight food containers, keep pet food out of reach and in sealed containers when the pets are not eating, and remove clutter on the floor, which can hide pests as they migrate towards food sources.   About Viking Pest Control Providing pest control solutions since 1980, Viking is the largest family owned pest control business in the northeast. Viking is a Quality Pro company and members with the NPMA. Viking offers both residential and commercial pest control service. Contact us today!

Pests of Fall: The Usual Suspects

Viking's Guide to Fall Pests

Many people do not realize that seasonal changes make a significant difference in your pest risk.

In the summer, many pests are content to live outside. Not only are warmer temperatures comfortable for them, but food and water sources are usually abundant in the outdoors during the summertime. However, as temperatures drop, pests begin to look inside, not just for living spaces, but also for sources of food. Ants- While ants can be a problem at any time during the year, many people will find ants beginning to infiltrate their homes in the autumn, when summer outdoor food supplies become limited. Many people think of ants as a nuisance pest and believe that:

1) Ant infestations are easy to treat

2) Ants do not cause health or safety problems.

These two myths can set you up for major problems. First, ants can contaminate food sources for you and your pets, but, perhaps more significantly, they can create structural damage in your home; carpenter ants eat wood and even non-carpenter ant varieties can damage homes by creating nests in your walls. Stink bugs- A big, smelly problem, stink bugs head inside when the weather gets cooler. Stink bugs are an interesting pest, because they do not bite or sting people and they are not a vector for disease. However, they emit a noxious odor when they are squished and even when they are just frightened. Moreover, their droppings are actually harmful to fabrics and some hard surfaces. Cockroaches- Cockroaches are not as vulnerable to temperature swings as other pests, but they do want a water source and often infiltrate homes in the fall in order to find access to water. It should come as no surprise, then, that cockroaches are often found near pipes or drains. They do not stay there, though; instead, cockroaches will move throughout a home in search of food. Nocturnal pests, you may not see any cockroaches in the early stages of an infestation; but, instead, may find droppings. If you see one, at night, assume you have a cockroach problem; these pests live in groups, are extremely hard to exterminate, and reproduce quickly. Rodents- Rats, mice, and other rodents are very common fall home-invaders. Like other pests, they come into houses seeking warmth and food as temperatures drop and outside food sources get scarce. Some of us have a natural aversion to these vermin, while others may think of a single rat or mouse as adorable and be hesitant to contact an exterminator. Domesticated rats and mice may make good pets, but wild rats and mice are a huge health and safety hazard for people. They spread diseases, destroy property with their waste, and chew constantly. The chewing can directly damage your home, but more of a threat is that they will chew through wires, which can disrupt electrical service or even cause fires. In addition, they are often covered with their own pests, and these fleas, mites, ticks, and lice are happy to jump from their rodent hosts and feast on your family and your pets.   Our next blog will tell you how exactly to pest-proof your home for the fall.   About Viking Pest Control Providing pest control solutions since 1980, Viking is the largest family owned pest control business in the northeast. Viking is a Quality Pro company and members with the NPMA. Viking offers both residential and commercial pest control service. Contact us today!

How to Avoid Bed Bugs. VIKING’s Back to School Bed Bug Advice for College Students Warren, NJ (9/20/2016) – As college students prepare to return to campuses nationwide, many plan to bring secondhand furniture including mattresses, futons, dressers, couches and more. As bags are being packed, and students begin to move in, Viking is urging students in the Northeast region to inspect new lodgings, personal belongings, and secondhand items, for bed bugs as these pests can cause painful, red itchy welts and can also spread quickly when introduced to new environments. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), bed bugs pose serious concerns to dorm rooms and thrive in university environments as there are often many people living in a confined space. In fact, a 2015 survey, conducted by the NPMA and the University of Kentucky, found that bed bug infestations in the United States continue at high rates, with 99.6 percent of pest professionals treating for bed bugs in the year prior. "Bed bugs are opportunistic and elusive pests," says Dan Bradbury, President at Viking Pest Control. "As students return from summers filled with travel they may unknowingly be transporting bed bugs to college campuses. Or, they could be returning to an environment where bed bugs are already a problem. It is essential that students inspect all belongings to help keep these pests at bay. Bed bugs are not only undesirable for students but also for parents who don’t want their children bringing these pests home on breaks.”

Viking Pest Control offers tips to help prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in dorms:

• Fully inspect suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially if you have traveled during the summer. Wash all clothes, even those that haven’t been worn, in hot water.
• On move-in day, thoroughly inspect the entire room including mattress seams on beds, behind the headboard and in furniture using a flashlight for good visibility. If you see anything suspect, immediately contact a university facility manager or landlord.
• If you are considering bringing "secondhand" furniture to campus, properly inspect it for telltale signs of bed bugs. If you notice and signs of shed skins, small blot marks/pepper-like stains do not bring it to campus.

Students are urged to follow prevention tips when packing for school and before unpacking in a new room. For more information on preventing bed bugs, visit preview0.dev1.snyderpreview.com About Viking Pest Control Providing pest control solutions since 1980, Viking is the largest family owned pest control business in the northeast. Viking is a Quality Pro company and members with the NPMA. Viking offers both residential and commercial pest control service.

Yellow Jackets… They’ll Be Ready, Will You?

Story from a few years back: It’s a typical fall Saturday and I’m coaching my daughter’s soccer team. The lineup is done, the kids are ready and the referee is ready to start the game. Life could not be better right? All of a sudden I take a drink from my coffee cup and a sharp piercing pain hits the top sensitive area of my lip. Not knowing what it was, I grab for my lip and low and behold, I’m holding a yellow jacket. SHE is mad as “you know what” and stings me again on my fingers. By now I know what’s going on and I just crush this poor insect with my bare hand. As you know, the skin and tissue around our lips is quite sensitive and I just got a lesson from Mother Nature on just how sensitive my lips are and just how aggressive yellow jackets are! I try to think of something else to try and reduce the pain, but nothing is working. I flash back to my grandfather showing off by grabbing wasps and squeezing them to show us grandchildren how strong his skin was and that he was not afraid of them. My grandfather was a painter and had lots of experience with yellow jackets, especially in the fall months. Back to the soccer game and now I have a small crowd watching me “dancing” with this aggressive yellow jacket and within no time at all, my lip is swollen up and hurting a lot. We don’t have any anti-histamine in the first aid kit, so I know I’m just going to have to tough it out. I’ve been stung a lot over the years by stinging insects, but I have to tell you this sting on my lip caused me the most pain I had experienced in quite a while. Of course the kids on my soccer team know I work in Pest Control and deal with issues like this all the time, so I have to toughen up and not let them know how much pain I’m in. Soon a parent comes over with some ice and in a few minutes I’m feeling a lot better. I didn’t spill my coffee and after removing the lid and taking a quick look to make sure no more yellow jackets are in my coffee, I finish my brew. We were playing a tough team and we did win the game. September starts the fall season (Thursday September 22nd 2016 is the first day of fall this year) and it’s that time of year when yellow jacket populations explode and everyone especially fall sport teams will see a dramatic increase in populations of yellow jackets. Here’s why. The nests of hymenoptera are mostly females during the summer months. Most all wasps, hornets and yellow jackets start off the season as fertilized females that have overwintered; usually beneath the frost line. While most all of these are social insects, the females would rather make their nest, find food and care for their young, which are larvae. They really don’t care much about humans, but when you get in their way or disturb them, they go into the “defense mode” and will sting at will. Once the first one stings and gives off the defense pheromone, look out. The rest of the females will come and start stinging, over and over till you run away. The increase in numbers in the fall is because the males are produced late in the year basically to mate with females that will overwinter. Males basically mate and die and the fertilized females will start the process again next year. There are studies that suggest cool and wet months like we had in April and May this year could reduce the numbers of yellow jackets. Like most hymenoptera, yellow jackets are beneficial and should be left alone. Be careful in the month of September as yellow jackets, especially the ground nesting German yellow jacket will be more noticeable due to the increase in numbers. Editor’s Note: William A. Kolbe, BCE is a Board Certified Entomologist for Viking® Pest Control based out of Warren, NJ. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology with a minor in Ecology from the University of Delaware. Bill is a member of The Denville NJ Community Gardens. He can be reached at 800-618-2847 or visit preview0.dev1.snyderpreview.com

Falling Temperatures do not Necessarily Mean Fewer Insects

With record-breaking cold temperatures in much of the United States recently, newspaper headlines have suggested that the freezing weather this winter could mean fewer insects next spring. For example: “Celebrating Deep Freeze, Insect Experts See a Chance to Exterminate Off Invasive Species”. “The Upside Of The Bitter Cold: It exterminates Bugs That Kill Trees”. “Extreme cold may wipe out high percentage emerald ash borer larvae”. While it’s true that insects will die if exposed to very cold temperatures for prolonged periods of time, many are able to survive, depending on the insect and the circumstances. It’s Déjà vu All Over Again … This is nothing new, of course. In fact, two years ago we faced a very similar situation when an extraordinarily mild winter gave rise to headlines about how the warmer temperatures would mean greater insect populations come spring. Mosquitoes for example would thrive, the thinking went, because of the lack of freezing temperatures. However, leaders of the Entomological Society of America said “Don’t Bug Out Over Warmer Weather” in a press release, explaining that lots of other factors affect insect populations besides temperatures. “States like Alaska and Minnesota are famous for their brutally cold winters, and yet they are also known to have extremely active mosquito populations during the summer,” said ESA past President Grayson Brown, who explained that mosquitoes are even more affected by the amount of rain during the spring, since they need water to lay their eggs. ESA’s past Vice President Robert Wiedenmann said that in some cases the warm winter could even cause harm. “Some insects that emerge earlier than normal because of warm temperatures may not find the appropriate food sources available and could starve,” he said. “Likewise, mild winters may favor the predatory or parasitic insects that help keep pests in check, and result in fewer pests. Insect ecology is affected by a number of factors and is not solely dependent on winter or spring temperatures.” Long Story Short: It’s Complicated … Which bring us to our current situation. While it’s true that extremely cold temperatures for prolonged periods of time can decrease insect populations, other factors are at play as well. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a good example, since it has received so much press recently. Ironically, the recent cold spell could actually end up helping the EAB in certain areas because the freezing temperatures might harm EAB predators. A few years ago, scientists in Michigan and other states began releasing tiny parasitoid wasps that help control the EAB by laying eggs into or on the EAB larvae. “In general, parasitoids are more susceptible to stressors (e.g., pesticides, cold temperatures) than their hosts,” said Dr. Jian Duan, one of the scientists who has been rearing and releasing the wasps. “If this year’s cold temperature kills overwintering EAB larvae, it will surely exterminate the associated parasitoids — even more so than EAB.” “Prolonged very cold temperatures can definitely kill off both EAB and the parasitoids, and the parasitoids appear to be less cold-hardy than the EAB themselves,” said Dr. Jonathan Lelito, another USDA researcher. Dr. Lelito went on to explain that even in extremely cold regions like northern Minnesota and parts of Canada, where a significant portion of EABs may have died because of the cold, the effect will not extirpate the species completely. “Even with 50% mortality, the populations will recover in a few years or so and the infestation will continue on,” he said. “But biological control is a long game. Occasional setbacks will occur, and the populations of both hosts and parasitoids will tend to oscillate through time anyway. The long-term goal is the establishment of a balance, and severe weather events are just a step in the long march, so to speak.” The same holds true for other insects. Once again: It’s complicated. Article submitted by William A. Kolbe, BCE is a Board Certified Entomologist for Viking Pest Control based out of Warren, NJ. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology with a minor in Ecology from the University of Delaware. He is a member of The Denville NJ Community Gardens. He can be reached at 800-618-2847 or visit preview0.dev1.snyderpreview.com Reprinted with Permission from Richard Levine, Communications Program Manager at Entomological Society of America. Richard is editor and head writer of the Entomology Today Blog. Original article at: http://entomologytoday.org/2014/01/13/falling-temperatures-do-not-necessarily-mean-fewer-insects/

BUGS and the Real Christmas Tree Source: Rayanne D. Lehman and James F. Stimmel Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry Purchasing a REAL Christmas tree may be a big decision for many people, but fears of introducing unwanted and potentially harmful pests into the home via the tree are unwarranted. Every Christmas tree can harbor insects, mites, or spiders. Some of these may remain on the tree into winter and could become active after being exposed to the warm temperatures inside the home. Although many will stay on the tree, a few may be attracted to sources of light, including windows. But, because they are associated with field-grown conifers, none of these accidental introductions are a threat to your home, its contents, or occupants. Preventing introduction of these "pests" into your home is the best, and easiest, plan. Mechanical tree shakers, available at some retail lots, are useful in removing some insects from the trees. Vigorously shaking the tree before bringing it into your home will serve the same purpose, and will also remove any loose needles. Bird nests, although considered decorative by some people, may contain bird parasites such as mites and lice. They should be removed by hand if not dislodged by shaking. Any egg masses on the trees, including those of praying mantids and Gypsy moth, should also be removed. Control of these temporary invaders should be limited to non-chemical means. Aerosol insect sprays are flammable and should NOT, under any circumstances, be sprayed on the Christmas tree. Insects occurring on the tree should be left there until the tree is removed. Any that collect on ceilings, walls, or windows can be eliminated with a vacuum cleaner. It is important to remember that these "critters" are normally found outdoors, on LIVE trees. Warm temperatures, low humidities and lack of appropriate food conditions typical of most homes will usually exterminate these invaders in a short time. No Christmas tree will have every pest on the following list. In fact, most will be free of these hitchhikers. Occasionally, however, one or more of the following may find its way into your home on your tree.

Adelgids

Sometimes a tree (especially white pine) will seem to develop its own "flocking" on twigs and bark. This is probably due to the pine bark adelgid, a tiny, apidlike, sucking insect that secretes cottony wax filaments over its body. These adelgids are sedentary and do not leave the tree, but the spontaneous "flocking" may be a cause for curiosity or even concern. These adelgids, and the "flocking" they produce, are harmless.

Aphids

Occasionally, aphids will hatch from Christmas trees in sufficient numbers to cause alarm. Most aphids are tiny, inactive, and usually go unnoticed. Aphids of the genus Cinara, however, reach a length of nearly 1/8 inch, making them one of the largest of our native aphids. Most forms, especially those of early generations, are wingless and remain active throughout their lives. If your Christmas tree remains indoors for an extended period (particularly if it is a live tree) these aphids may produce offspring, and winged forms may occur. With their brownish or blackish coloration and long legs, Cinara aphids may be mistaken for small spiders or ticks. Aphids, however, have only six legs, while spiders and ticks have eight. Also, these insects do not produce silk or webs, typical of spiders. On true firs, balsam twigs aphid may occur. This gray-green species is much smaller than the spiderlike Cinara aphids found on pines and spruces. Outdoors, their overwintering eggs normally hatch in very early spring; indoors, they may hatch before the Christmas tree is removed. They are less likely to be abundant than Cinara aphids. All aphids on Christmas trees are host specific, i.e., they can only survive by feeding on certain plants. They will not feed on your houseplants.

Bark Beetles

Several species of minute, dark brown to black beetles may be found on or near the tree. They may be boring into the trunk, creating small holes and very fine sawdust. These are bark beetles that were overwintering in the tree. Although they bore into bark or wood, they are not a threat to any of the furnishings or structural parts of the house because wood inside the home is too dry for these beetles to survive. When the tree is removed at the end of the holiday season, the bark beetles will again go into dormancy, resuming their normal activity in spring.

Mites

Many species of predatory mites overwinter as adults and become active when exposed to warm temperatures in the home. They generally remain on the tree, where they may prey on insect and mite eggs. Most of these tiny, light-colored mites will go unnoticed. One type, however, is bright red and rather large. These predatory mites are relatives of chiggers, but in the adult state are not a threat to people or animals. Read the Original Article Here Several species of bird parasites may be found in nesting material after the birds have abandoned the nest. Although these mites are generally not present on the trees in winter, bird nests on the tree should be removed to assure that no mites are brought into the home.

Praying Mantids

These large, showy insects overwinter in egg masses that are frequently attached to conifer limbs. These eggs will begin to hatch after being indoors for several weeks. When this happens, numerous tiny mantids swarm over the tree seeking food. Since they are cannibalistic they will eat each other if no other food is available. The popular misconception that these beneficial insects are protected by law may prompt people to attempt to keep praying mantids alive until they can be released outdoors. None of the mantids are protected and keeping them alive in captivity is impossible, given the voracious appetite of a growing mantid. Also, if released outdoors when temperatures warm in early spring, survivors would quickly die, since their life cycle would not be synchronized with their prey. It is best to look for the light tan, walnut-sized, frothy egg masses on the tree before it is taken indoors. Cut out any small twig with an attached egg mass and place it in an evergreen shrub or tree outdoors. In spring, eggs will hatch and the mantids will have appropriate food available.

Psocids

These insects are sometimes, unfortunately, referred to as "barklice," a name that is misleading since there is nothing louselike about them. Psocids are small, winged, soft-bodied insects colored gray or brown. "Barklice" are not parasitic and do not bite, but feed on a variety of materials, including fungus, mold, pollen, and dead insects. They can be found outdoors on the bark of many trees, including Christmas trees, but will quickly die from conditions in most homes.

Scale Insects

Crawlers of scale species that overwinter in the egg stage may appear on trees kept indoors long enough for eggs to hatch. The most likely candidate is the pine needle scale. If its populations are high, large numbers of red crawlers moving about on the tree may be mistaken for mites, "lice," or some other tiny insect. These crawlers could easily be shaken or knocked from the tree and may be noticeable (especially on a light background ) as tiny, slowly moving red specks. If crushed, they may leave red spots or streaks that can be removed with soapy water. Pine tortoise scale and striped pine scale will not produce crawlers indoors. Both scales overwinter as immatures and do not have sufficient time to mature and produce offspring on trees kept indoors. If they begin to feed, however, they may excrete small amounts of a clear, sticky liquid known as honeydew.

Spiders

Spiders found on Christmas trees are predators of insects and are not dangerous to people or pets. They are either overwintering species that have become active or spiderlings that have hatched after being exposed to warm temperatures. In most cases, they will remain on the tree and go unnoticed. But, if they venture off, they may weave small webs on walls, ceilings or furniture. These webs, and their inhabitants, can be removed easily with a vacuum cleaner or dusting brush. It is important to remember that the spiders brought in with the tree are not indoor species and will die in a short time because of their new, unsuitable environment. Read the Original Article Here

Deadly Kissing Bug Could Be In New Jersey The “triatomine bugs” carry a deadly parasite and feed on the blood of mammals, including humans. By TOM DAVIS (Patch Staff),  November 25, 2015 A deadly insect known as the “kissing bug” could potentially be in New Jersey, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The “triatomine bugs” are primarily nocturnal and feed on the blood of mammals - including humans - as well as birds and reptiles. They often carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can be fatal if left untreated, according to a CDC release. The CDC says there have been sightings of the bug in southern states, the Pacific West, the Midwest and in Pennsylvania. But the CDC did not identify how many of the bugs have been reported. In a map on its site (click here), the CDC identified all the states where reported sitings have occurred, noting there have been “potential” sitings of the bug in New Jersey and West Virginia. Read The Rest of Deadly Kissing Bug Could Be In New Jersey Here.

Insects and Rodents That Become More of a Nuisance in Autumn

  With fall comes a change in the seasons that means colder weather and changing vegetation.  Every time there is an outdoor temperature change or a change in food sources, one can expect to encounter different types of pests.  Changing temperatures also mean that pests that can be found outside, year round, may be coming inside to avoid cold weather.  Pests you are likely to see in the all include mice, squirrels, spiders, lady bugs, stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and cluster flies. Lady bugs are a type of beetle.  Easily recognizable by their red bodies with black spots, lady bugs are considered by many to be a “cute” pest and are even used to control other pests in some garden applications.  In fact, they are predators that eat the bugs that might otherwise destroy your plants.  In other words, if you notice a lady bug infestation and see plant damage because of it, you are probably noticing damage done by the bugs that lady bugs eat, such as aphids, and the lady bugs might be your best way to get rid of the garden-eating pests! Stink bugs, as their name implies, are stinky!  They are brown bugs with an oval-shaped body and a pointy head.  They came to the US from China and Japan, and when cold weather hits, they often move inside and become a nuisance.  While they are unlikely to harm you, if you step on a stink bug you will quickly understand how they got their name. Boxelder bugs are black with red markings on their wings.  They feed on all types of trees and plants, but their favorite food is the boxelder tree, and, left unchecked, they can do considerable damage to many types of seed-bearing plants. Cluster flies are a little larger than a house fly and not only create a nuisance, but can also help spread disease. The above fall pests are not particularly damaging to homes or gardens, but can become a real nuisance to homeowners.  Like us, they want to be warm and toasty for the winter, and even the tiniest crack allows them to enter a home.  At Viking Pest Control, we can use pesticides to help exterminate any infestation, but prevention is better than a cure.  Our fall pest prevention package targets vulnerabilities in your home, to help keep the bugs, as well as mice, squirrels, and other rodents from coming into your home for the winter.  

It’s that time of year when yellowjackets (Vespula germanica), those black and yellow wasps that seem to increase in numbers in the early fall months of September and October besiege our homes and gardens. The reason for the increase in numbers is because the colony begins to produce males for mating purposes. The males of this species are produced to mate with females and then the males die. Females overwinter as fertilized females. After overwintering and when the weather turns warm, they start their life cycle and make colonies for the upcoming spring. Many of you will experience them this fall when you attend outdoor sporting events such as soccer and other fall sports. The good news is that while irritating, they are welcome visitors in the garden.

Yellowjackets: Fall pests in Gardens and Homes!

Yellow jackets wasps feed their young liquefied insects, with caterpillars, flies and spiders comprising the largest food groups in the yellow jacket diet during most of the summer. In late summer, yellow jackets start looking for flower nectar and other sources of sugar, which are necessary nutrients for the next season’s queens. At this point yellow jackets become an obnoxious presence outdoors, whether they are trying to steal your sandwich or swarming over apple cores in your compost. Preferred food for yellow jackets are, honeydew, and other sweet substances. If your garden (or your plants and shrubbery around your home) has a lot of aphids, leafhoppers, treehoppers, scale insects and other plant juice feeders that product honeydew; yellowjackets and other wasps will be close by to dine on this sweet substance. The queen of a vigorous yellowjacket colony may lay 25,000–30,000 eggs during her lifetime. The same cell may be used two or three times for rearing larvae. Development time to complete the larval and pupal stage is about30days. For species that have large colonies, the queen maintains control of the colony with a queen pheromone. Yellowjackets do not store honey as do bees and some other vespids. They feed their larvae malaxated portions of arthropods, especially insects, and also nectar and honeydew. Adults feed on nectar, liquid from the larval food, and larval secretions. The first workers to emerge in the colony assume all duties of maintenance and food gathering; the queen confines her activity to laying eggs and remains with the nest. There are three castes in each colony: the queen; males, which are produced from unfertilized eggs; and workers, which are infertile females. Late in the season, workers build large reproductive cells in which males and queens are produced. During this period workers are more aggressive and likely to sting, even when away from the nest. When new queens and males emerge they leave the nest and mate. Males die after mating, and fertilized queens enter a period of reproductive diapause, and in cold climates they overwinter. They hibernate in protected locations, such as under loose bark of trees, under boards and debris around buildings, and in other peridomestic locations. Nest construction materials include plant fibers from decayed or weathered wood, the cortex of dead plants, and domestic debris, such as newspaper, cardboard, and paper bags. Nest building is continuous until the colony declines. They do little damage to agricultural crops, except for the cases where their presence disrupts or prevents harvesting. Yellowjacket stings result in intense pain to most people, and can result in death from anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. Ground nests of Dolichovespula and Paravespula create problems when they occur in peridomestic habitats or recreational areas. Below-ground nests are usually unnoticed until people and pets come near or into direct contact with them. Simply allowing selected nests to remain in place is all you must do to receive free pest control service from yellow jackets. Coexisting peacefully with yellow jackets is another issue, especially if you grow tree fruits. Yellow jackets eagerly feed on fallen apples, pears and other fruits, so wear a light glove when cleaning up the orchard. Bury fruit waste beneath 2 inches of soil, or establish a fruit waste compost pile far from your house, where the yellow jackets can eat their fill.