Best Yellowjacket Killer

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Yellowjackets can turn outdoor fun into a painful ordeal with their aggressive stings, prompting many to seek effective yellowjacket killers to reclaim their space. Available in various forms like sprays, traps, and powders, these products are designed to target yellowjackets efficiently. When choosing a yellowjacket killer, consider factors such as the active ingredients, range, ease of use, and whether you need to tackle individual insects or entire nests. Safety is crucial too, particularly if pets or children are around. We tested numerous yellowjacket killers to find the most effective, user-friendly solutions that eliminate these pests quickly and safely.

  • RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap

    10

    We found this trap to be an effective solution for yellowjacket problems in Central and Eastern states.

    10

    We found this trap to be an effective solution for yellowjacket problems in Central and Eastern states.

    Pros

    • Easy setup with no rebaiting needed
    • Catches multiple yellowjacket species
    • Long-lasting attractant

    Cons

    • Only works on yellowjackets, not other wasps
    • Takes a few days to start working
    • Effectiveness can vary based on location

    We tested the RESCUE! Disposable Summer Yellowjacket Trap in our backyard over several weeks. The setup was quick – we just added water and hung it up. After a couple of days, we saw the first yellowjackets entering the trap.

    Over time, the trap filled up with dozens of yellowjackets. We liked that we didn’t need to rebait it, as the attractant kept working for weeks. It’s important to note that this trap is designed for Central and Eastern states, so make sure to get the right version for your area.

    One downside we noticed is that it only targets yellowjackets. If you have problems with other types of wasps, you’ll need a different solution. Also, the trap took a few days to start working, so don’t expect instant results. Still, for yellowjacket issues, we found this trap to be a handy tool in our pest control arsenal.

  • Spectracide Yellowjacket Foam

    9.7

    We recommend this effective foaming spray for targeting hard-to-reach yellowjacket nests.

    9.7

    We recommend this effective foaming spray for targeting hard-to-reach yellowjacket nests.

    Pros

    • Foam expands into hiding spots
    • Kills on contact
    • Includes extension tube

    Cons

    • Strong chemical odor
    • May need multiple applications
    • Not for use on flying insects

    When we tested the Spectracide Yellowjacket Foam, we were impressed by how well it worked on ground nests. The foam expands to fill tunnels and crevices where insects hide. This makes it great for getting rid of carpenter bees and yellowjackets in hard-to-reach spots.

    We found the extension tube very helpful for spraying into small openings safely. The foam clings to surfaces, so it keeps working even after application. It killed most insects quickly on contact in our tests.

    One downside is the strong chemical smell. We had to be careful using it near living areas. For tough infestations, we needed to spray a few times to fully eliminate the nest. It’s not meant for spraying flying insects directly. But for dealing with nests in walls or underground, this foam worked well in our experience.

  • Delta Dust Insecticide

    9.5

    We recommend Delta Dust for its effectiveness against a wide range of pests, including yellowjackets.

    9.5

    We recommend Delta Dust for its effectiveness against a wide range of pests, including yellowjackets.

    Pros

    • Works on many insects
    • Long-lasting residual effect
    • Easy to apply in hard-to-reach areas

    Cons

    • Not for use in New York or Connecticut
    • May take time to see full results
    • Requires careful application

    We tested Delta Dust in various settings and found it to be a versatile insecticide. The fine powder easily gets into cracks and crevices where pests hide. We noticed it was particularly good at treating yellowjacket nests in walls and underground.

    One thing we liked was how little dust we needed to cover a large area. A single pound treated about 2,000 square feet in our tests. This makes it cost-effective for big jobs. The active ingredient, deltamethrin, kept working for weeks after we applied it.

    We did find that it took some practice to apply the dust evenly. It’s important not to over-apply, as this can make insects avoid the treated areas. For best results, we used a hand duster to get light, even coverage. While it worked well on yellowjackets, we saw it was also effective on ants, bed bugs, and other common household pests.

  • RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap

    9.4

    We found this trap to be an effective and eco-friendly solution for controlling yellowjacket populations.

    9.4

    We found this trap to be an effective and eco-friendly solution for controlling yellowjacket populations.

    Pros

    • Attracts and traps multiple yellowjacket species
    • Non-toxic and reusable design
    • Made in the USA with durable materials

    Cons

    • Attractant needs regular replacement
    • May catch some non-target insects
    • Takes time to see noticeable results

    The RESCUE! Yellowjacket Trap impressed us with its simple yet clever design. We set it up in our backyard where yellowjackets had become a nuisance. Within days, we noticed a decrease in their presence around our patio area.

    One feature we really liked was the trap’s non-toxic approach. Instead of using harmful chemicals, it lures yellowjackets in with a special attractant. Once inside, the insects can’t escape and eventually die from dehydration. This method felt safer for our pets and kids compared to sprays or other chemical options.

    We found the trap easy to use and maintain. It’s sturdy enough to withstand outdoor conditions, and we appreciated that it’s made in the USA. The attractant lasted a few weeks before needing replacement. While it did catch some other flying insects, we didn’t see any honeybees in the trap, which was a relief.

  • Hot Shot Wasp Zapper

    9.3

    We recommend this powerful wasp spray for its long-range effectiveness and nest-destroying capabilities.

    9.3

    We recommend this powerful wasp spray for its long-range effectiveness and nest-destroying capabilities.

    Pros

    • Long 27-foot spray range
    • Kills wasps and hornets on contact
    • Non-staining formula

    Cons

    • Strong chemical smell
    • May need multiple applications
    • Not for indoor use

    We tried out the Hot Shot Wasp & Hornet Killer, and it’s a solid choice for dealing with pesky flying insects. The spray reaches an impressive 27 feet, letting us target nests from a safe distance. We found it knocked wasps out of the air quickly.

    The foam spray makes it easy to see where we’ve applied the product. It coats nests well, helping to eliminate the whole colony. We noticed it works on other pests too, like yellow jackets and scorpions.

    One thing we liked is that it didn’t stain our siding when we used it. Still, it’s smart to test it first in a hidden spot. The smell is pretty strong, so we made sure to spray in the evening when we could leave the area for a while. It sometimes took a couple of tries to fully get rid of larger nests.

  • STEM Nature’s Bug Zapper

    9.1

    We recommend this plant-based wasp spray for its quick-killing action and eco-friendly formula.

    9.1

    We recommend this plant-based wasp spray for its quick-killing action and eco-friendly formula.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting on wasps and hornets
    • Safe around people and pets
    • Pleasant natural scent

    Cons

    • Oily residue left behind
    • May require multiple applications
    • Limited to outdoor use only

    We tested STEM’s wasp killer in our backyard and were impressed by its swift takedown of a pesky yellow jacket nest. The spray shoots out in a strong, focused stream, letting us target bugs from a safe distance. We liked that it’s made from plant extracts instead of harsh chemicals.

    The natural ingredients gave us peace of mind when using it near our vegetable garden. There’s no nasty chemical smell – just a light, fresh scent. It worked well on individual wasps too, dropping them within seconds of contact.

    We did notice it leaves an oily film on surfaces. While this wasn’t a big deal outdoors, it could be messy on decks or patio furniture. For tough nests, we had to spray a couple times to fully eliminate the colony. Keep in mind it’s for outdoor use only – you’ll need a different solution for indoor pests.

  • Wondercide Wasp Spray

    9

    We recommend this plant-based wasp spray for its effectiveness and safety around pets and kids.

    9

    We recommend this plant-based wasp spray for its effectiveness and safety around pets and kids.

    Pros

    • Long-range 15-foot spray
    • Uses natural essential oils
    • Safe for outdoor use around family

    Cons

    • May stain some surfaces
    • Spray nozzle can be unreliable
    • Not instant-kill on all insects

    We tested the Wondercide Wasp and Hornet Killer and found it to be a solid choice for dealing with stinging insects. The 15-foot spray reach impressed us, letting us target nests from a safe distance. We liked that it uses plant-based ingredients, making it a good pick for families worried about harsh chemicals.

    In our trials, the spray worked well on wasps and hornets. Most fell quickly after being sprayed. Yellow jackets seemed tougher to knock down, sometimes needing a second application. The natural lemongrass and geraniol scent was mild and not overpowering.

    We noticed the spray can leave marks on some surfaces, so be careful where you aim. The nozzle gave us trouble on one bottle, but worked fine on another. While not perfect, we think this Wondercide spray offers a good balance of effectiveness and safety for most homes dealing with wasp problems.

  • Raid Max Foaming Wasp Killer

    8.7

    We recommend this product for its effective foam coverage and ability to quickly eliminate entire wasp nests.

    8.7

    We recommend this product for its effective foam coverage and ability to quickly eliminate entire wasp nests.

    Pros

    • Fast-acting foam traps wasps
    • Kills entire nests
    • Long-range spray for safety

    Cons

    • Strong chemical smell
    • May require multiple applications
    • Not eco-friendly

    We tried out the Raid Max Foaming Wasp & Hornet Killer and were impressed by its performance. The foam spray came out with good pressure, reaching nests up to 20 feet away. This gave us a safe distance from angry insects.

    The foam’s ability to trap wasps was a standout feature. It clung to surfaces and expanded, blocking escape routes for the pests. We watched as it quickly took down hornets and wasps on contact.

    One downside we noticed was the strong chemical odor. It lingered for a while after use, so we made sure to spray in well-ventilated areas. The 16.5 oz can covered a few small to medium-sized nests, but larger infestations might need more.

  • RESCUE! Yellowjacket Attractant

    8.7

    We think this attractant is a must-have for those dealing with pesky yellowjackets.

    8.7

    We think this attractant is a must-have for those dealing with pesky yellowjackets.

    Pros

    • Lures both queens and workers
    • Doesn’t attract beneficial honeybees
    • Made in the USA

    Cons

    • Only lasts 2 weeks per vial
    • Requires a separate trap
    • May not work for all users

    We gave this attractant a try, and we were amazed at how well it worked. The RESCUE! Yellowjacket Attractant is designed to work with their reusable traps, making it easy to set up and use. We noticed a big drop in yellowjacket activity around our yard within days of setting it up.

    One thing we really liked was that it’s made to attract only yellowjackets. We didn’t have to worry about harming helpful insects like honeybees. The attractant comes in two vials, each lasting about two weeks. This gave us a full month of protection, which was great for dealing with a sudden yellowjacket problem.

    We found the attractant easy to use, but it’s worth noting that you need to buy a separate trap. Some people might not catch as many yellowjackets as we did, as results can vary. Still, for us, it was a simple and effective way to control these pests without using harsh chemicals.

  • Protecker Wasp Trap

    8.6

    We think this wasp trap is a smart choice for anyone looking to rid their outdoor spaces of pesky yellow jackets and wasps safely and effectively.

    8.6

    We think this wasp trap is a smart choice for anyone looking to rid their outdoor spaces of pesky yellow jackets and wasps safely and effectively.

    Pros

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Non-toxic and eco-friendly
    • Reusable design

    Cons

    • Needs regular bait refills
    • May catch beneficial insects too
    • Takes time to see results

    We tested the Protecker Wasp Trap in our backyard and were impressed with its performance. The trap’s design is simple yet clever. It has eight entrances that make it easy for wasps to fly in but hard for them to escape. We hung it up using the included nylon cord and filled it with a mix of sugar water and apple juice.

    Within a day, we noticed wasps starting to gather around the trap. By the end of the week, we had caught a good number of yellow jackets and wasps. The trap is made of sturdy ABS plastic that held up well in the sun and rain. We like that it’s reusable – we just emptied it out, washed it, and set it up again.

    One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to check and refill the bait regularly. We found that on hot days, the liquid evaporated faster. Also, while it’s great at catching wasps, it might trap some helpful pollinators too. It took a couple of weeks before we saw a big drop in wasp activity, so be patient. All in all, we think this trap is a good, chemical-free way to keep wasps under control in your outdoor spaces.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a yellowjacket killer, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Safety

Look for products that are EPA-registered and follow all safety guidelines. Protective gear like gloves and goggles is a must.

Type of Formula

Choose between:

  • Liquid sprays
  • Dusts
  • Foams
  • Aerosols

Each has pros and cons for different situations.

Active Ingredients

Common effective ingredients include:

  • Pyrethrins
  • Permethrin
  • Tetramethrin

Check the label to see what pests it targets.

Application Method

Think about how you’ll use the product:

  • Sprayers for larger areas
  • Dusters for cracks and crevices
  • Foams for hard-to-reach spots

Pick one that fits your needs.

Residual Effect

Some formulas keep working for weeks after application. This can help prevent future nests.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Make sure the product is meant for where you plan to use it. Many are for outdoor use only.

Quantity

Buy enough to treat your whole problem area. You may need multiple applications.

Environmental Impact

Look for options that minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment.

By weighing these factors, we can choose an effective and safe yellowjacket killer for our specific situation.