wasp traps in early spring

Asked February 12, 2019, 12:02 PM EST

I have heard that if you put yellowjacket traps out in early spring, you will trap the queens making for less yellow jackets in the summer. Comments?

Washington County Oregon insect issues yellow jackets

1 Response

Thank you for your question. You are correct that yellowjacket populations can be reduced (but not eliminated) by trapping the queens in the spring. I think you will find the following Extension article helpful in this regard: http://pubs.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9093/yellowjacket The article relating to trapping and monitoring, referenced above, is here: http://pubs.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9093/overview-trapping-and-monitoring-options Understanding life cycle, as well as nesting areas, is key to population control.