This is the time of the year that we get a lot of calls at the Walker County Extension Office from local residents about yellow jackets around their homes.

If you have a “bee” problem, the first thing you need to decide is whether or not to get rid of them. If the nest is well out of the way, it may be best to simply leave it alone. Cold weather will take care of them, but that is still a couple of months away. If the nest is near where people may be stung, or if you are allergic to the stings, then you will probably need to destroy it.

If you plan to control them, you will need to start by finding the nest. Almost all yellow jackets nest in the ground. Once you find the nest, it is best to wait until just before dark to treat it; they are less active at that time, and most of them will be in the nest.

Sevin dust, which we commonly use in our vegetable gardens, is very effective on “bees,” and may be the best control option for yellow jackets. Carefully pour some of the Sevin dust directly onto the nest’s entrance. Be careful when using Sevin dust, since it will not kill them immediately upon contact, but it will do a good job if you give it time.

Pressurized wasp and hornet sprays are readily available in stores. These sprays can project a stream of material eight to 10 feet. They work extremely well, since you can spray them from a safe distance, and most of them have immediate “knock-down” power. Don’t use these sprays around desirable plants or shrubbery since they have a petroleum base and will kill the leaves they contact.

Do not pour gasoline or other petroleum down a nest hole. This is illegal and dangerous to you and the environment; plus, at today’s price, it is expensive.

If you have any questions on controlling yellow jackets or other “bee” problems, feel free to call us at 706-638-2548 or stop by our office at 102 E. Napier Street in LaFayette.

Norman Edwards is coordinator of Walker County Extension Service.