If yellow jackets are a problem in your area, you can target their nests and eliminate them with laundry detergent. Treating their nests with laundry detergent puts an end to your wasp problem without poisoning beneficial insects or wildlife.
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Observe yellow jackets during the day to determine the nest location. If you notice large numbers of the wasps coming from or escaping to a specific area, the nest is probably nearby. Most yellow jacket nests are underground. Mark the location of the nest.
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Fill a bucket with a solution of water and a scoop of liquid laundry detergent.
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Return to the nest on a chilly night, since the wasps usually don’t fly in temperatures cooler than 50 degrees F. Wear a long-sleeved sweatshirt and sweatpants to protect your skin from stings.
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Pour the soapy water into the entrance of the yellow jacket nest.