Controlling Yellowjackets In Urban Recreational Areas

Outdoor areas were monitored for two pestiferous species of yellowjackets, Vespula alascensis Packard and Vespula pensylvanica Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), in southern and northern California. Heptyl butyrate attracted V. acadica (Sladen), V. alascensis, V. atropilosa (Sladen), and V. pensylvanica whereas minced chicken only attracted V. alascensis and pensylvanica. Hydrogel formulations prepared with dinotefuran, fipronil, and metaflumizone were attractive to yellowjackets for 24 to 72 h. Baits containing 0.025% dinotefuran and 0.025% fipronil provided ≈ 50% significant reductions in trap counts after 14 and 20 d, respectively. Baits containing 0.001% metaflumizone were slower acting providing 80% control at day 41.