-Yellow Jackets-

Yellow jackets typically nest underground, but can also be found in structures, woodpiles, or tree cavities. Nests, often hidden with a small opening, are identified by a steady stream of yellow jackets entering and exiting. These aggressive insects, ranging from hundreds to thousands per hive, can be the size of a grapefruit to a large beach ball. Disturbing a nest can lead to many painful stings. Yellow jackets are eraser-sized, with hairless yellow and black bodies, and are most active from spring to early fall, particularly in the mid-to-late afternoon heat.

We offer several types of removal services to meet your needs.

Structural Removal

We begin by identifying the nest entrance and employing a vacuum system to capture up to 95% of the population within 30-40 minutes as they enter or exit the hive. If applicable, we then use a proprietary method to put the remaining yellow jackets in the hive to sleep, allowing for the physical removal of the entire hive. This unique technique avoids the common practice of treating nests with environmentally harmful pesticides. Pesticide treatments often alter the hive's smell and appearance which can lead to a persistent cloud of agitated wasps in the area for hours or even days, posing a hazard to you and your neighbors/customers. After this process, you can expect to see a decreased number of wasps in the area. When necessary, we utilize environmentally friendly products for our treatments, consisting of a diatomaceous earth base and essential oils that naturally provide insecticide-type results.

In-ground Removal

Our process begins with identifying the nest entrance and using a specialized vacuum system to capture up to 95% of the yellow jacket population within 30-40 minutes. We then pacify the remaining yellow jackets and physically remove the entire hive. This method avoids the dangers of aggressive, pesticide-coated yellow jackets, environmental contamination, and persistent swarms that are common with traditional treatments. Our treatment process, typically lasting about one hour, significantly reduces lingering wasp presence. We exclusively use eco-friendly products based on diatomaceous earth and essential oils to achieve insecticide-like results.

Bait Stations

Looking to significantly reduce the yellow jacket population in your area? Our bait station setup is the solution. We strategically place long-lasting bait stations containing attractants and spoil-resistant proteins to capture queen bees in the spring, preventing them from establishing new nests. For optimal results, we recommend follow-up visits in the summer to clean and re-bait stations, further reducing the population. A final visit in the fall targets new queens produced by surrounding nests before they can hibernate for winter. Clients who have used this service for three consecutive seasons report a dramatic decrease in yellow jacket activity. This consistent approach leads to a collapse in the local population as new queens are unable to establish a foothold and nest in your area.

Upon inspection of property, estimates may change due to unforeseen difficulties. No work will take place before a price is agreed upon. Minimum fee charged for a home visit is $150 plus drive time to cover booking time and expenses. Prices are based on a $275/hr labor and $1/min drive time from Martinez, CA for billing. 

Thank you for supporting your local beekeeping business! Your support allows me to pursue my passion while serving the community and the earth through healthy environmental practices.” - Steve Harris, Owner and CEO

-Buzzzzzz-