Think It’s Just a Bee? How to Spot Aggressive Yellowjackets in Your Yard 🐝
It usually starts with a buzz.
You're out watering plants or watching the kids play, and a small black-and-yellow insect starts circling you. You swat it away, but instead of flying off, it dives straight at your face.
That’s no bee.
You’ve just met a yellowjacket — and if you live in Andover or North Andover, you're not alone.
🧐 What Makes Yellowjackets So Aggressive?
Unlike bees, yellowjackets don’t die after stinging — and they’ll do it repeatedly. They're territorial, fast, and easily provoked, especially in mid to late summer, when their colonies are largest.
In backyards across Andover and North Andover in Massachusetts, we’ve seen yellowjackets nesting:
In wall voids and attics
Beneath decks or steps
In the ground near play areas and gardens
Inside old furniture or sheds
And the worst part? Most people don’t even realize there’s a nest until they’ve already been stung.
⚠️ How to Know It’s Not “Just a Bee”
Yellowjackets are often mistaken for bees, but here’s how you can tell the difference:
If it looks like a wasp and acts like a bully, it's probably a yellowjacket.
🧯 What NOT to Do
We get it — it’s tempting to grab a can of spray and go after the nest. But here’s why that’s risky:
Yellowjackets defend their nest in swarms
DIY sprays often miss the queen, leaving the colony intact
Nests in walls or siding can cause hidden damage or drive pests deeper inside
Every year, we see emergency calls from homeowners who tried handling it themselves, and ended up with multiple stings or worse.
✅ What Works: Fast, Safe Yellowjacket Removal
At Andover Pest Control, we know where yellowjackets hide, how they behave, and the safest way to get rid of them — for good.
We provide:
Same-day inspections
Safe, family- and pet-friendly treatments
Preventative options to keep nests from returning
Service throughout Andover, Andover and North Andover, and nearby towns
Call Andover Pest Control ASAP
If you’ve seen yellowjackets buzzing around your yard, don’t wait for a sting to take action.