Apply insecticide dust to ground-nesting yellow jackets

Steps

1. Locate the nest entrance during the day by watching flight patterns — do not disturb it yet
2. At dusk or dawn when yellow jackets are inside, apply permethrin or carbaryl dust (e.g., Delta Dust, Tempo Dust) directly into the entrance hole using a hand duster
3. Do not seal the hole — returning wasps will track dust inside, spreading it through the colony
4. Avoid the area for 24-48 hours

Why It Works

Dust formulations cling to wasp bodies and are carried deep into the nest. The colony typically dies within 1-2 days as workers distribute the insecticide through contact.

Tips

• Never pour gasoline or use fire on ground nests — this is dangerous and ineffective
• Wear dark clothing and move slowly; yellow jackets are attracted to rapid movement
• If the nest is under a concrete slab or inside a wall void, call a professional