In their normal activities Yellow Jackets will probably not sting you
unless; You press on them or they fly into your clothing. However, if
you disturb their nest or inadvertently step on it, they will
aggressively defend it. If this happens you'll know it immediately. A
Yellow Jacket sting feels similar to being burnt with a cigarette.
Yellow Jackets often nest in abandoned rodent burrows and are sometimes
not easily noticed.
DO NOT: Remain in the area of the nest trying to fight them off.
IT WON'T WORK. What will happen is more and more of them will come out of
the nest to defend it.
DO: Leave the area of the nesting site as swiftly as possible. You will
be highly motivated at this time. After you have gotten a safe distance
away, about 50 yards should do, you can get rid of the individuals that
are still attached to you. Yellow Jackets don't sting like a bee. They
bite and sting, more like an ant, delivering their pay load from both
ends. Therefore some may still be attached.
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