Yellowjackets Build a Nest Underneath a Crack in the Sidewalk in Eatontown, NJ

Challenge

I went out on a service call for a homeowner in Eatontown, NJ who called Cowleys complaining of hornets near her front yard. Once I arrived and began inspecting, I noticed a few hornets circling around a crack in the sidewalk. I took a closer look and was immediately greeted by several yellowjackets. 

Yellowjackets are the most aggressive stinging insects out there and since they don’t lose their stinger, they can sting numerous times, and will do so unprovoked. In fact, they usually bite your flesh to get a better grip as they jab their stinger into your skin. They aggressively defend their nest and assign a guard to stand watch and alert the colony when it senses a threat. Yellowjackets from underground nests can be triggered by ground vibrations – such as footsteps and lawnmowers. Yellowjackets will even sting you for no reason at all, even if you're nowhere near their nests — they are naturally just a jerk!

Solution

In order to treat this nest from a safe distance, I used my extendable pole, attached a dust application to it, and began treating the crack in the pavement. This application spreads throughout the area and immediately eliminates the yellowjackets on contact. After a few moments, I examined under the pavement area and found a small yellowjacket nest. After properly removing the nest, I thoroughly inspected the homeowner's property to find any other hornet's nest, to which I found none. Yet another satisfied customer of Cowleys!