Yellow jackets have settled in on campus at Mount Holyoke College, causing quite a stir amongst those who attempt to enjoy their meals outside. Photo by Ali Meizels ‘23.
By Nancy Jiang ‘23
Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: The interview in this piece was conducted by Mariam Keita ’24
No matter how tightly you hold the cover of your take-out container as you walk from the Dining Commons, the wasps, or more precisely, the yellow jackets, always try to sneak in your boxes. Many students are concerned for their safety when eating outside, and also curious about whether it is possible to remove the yellow jackets. The potential of being stung and having an allergic reaction is also an issue.
We explained our situation to the YellowJacket Experts, who are, as their name implies, a group of professionals who offer bee removal services to private homes, schools and companies. While they are located in Connecticut, they also provide services for nearby states including parts of Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.
In response to the College’s outdoor dining policy, yellow jacket expert and phone consultant at YellowJacket Experts, Debbie Maciecki, emphasized a piece of advice: “Don’t drink soda out of a can … That’s the most dangerous thing you can do in this type of instance. Also, number two is, watch your food. I think you’ve written these down already, but just in case. Watch. Take a look at each bite in each step, take a look at it before you put it in your mouth, so that you will know if there’s anything on it.”
People might have to say goodbye to drinking iced Coke outdoors, as, according to Maciecki, yellow jackets can enter cans and straws without you noticing. According to Maciecki, yellow jackets can also wedge their way into sandwiches to get at the meat inside. This is one factor that distinguishes yellow jackets from honey bees: “Honey bees are not interested in your sandwiches and your meat, but the yellow jackets are,” Maciecki said.
“Obviously, you have a nest nearby,” Maciecki further commented. “The nest right now [is] hatching out the largest populations of the season. The highest populations arrive usually [at] the end of August, and the beginning of September. So, now is the time.”
If Mount Holyoke does not interfere with the current situation at all, the number of wasps will start to decrease naturally in October. You will still see the presence of yellow jackets in November, although there will be fewer of them. They will be completely gone after Thanksgiving, but by that point the semester will be in its final weeks.
Students have noticed that these wasps are commonly found around the Dining Commons, but not at other parts of the campus. Maciecki, however, pointed out that the yellow jackets will almost certainly appear at other parts of the campus in the future. Students see them mostly around Blanchard because eating outside makes them more aware of the wasps presence.
To address the specific problem that Mount Holyoke students are currently facing, Maciecki suggested tracking the location of the nests and removing the yellow jackets, in a quick, easy and organic way. Yellow jackets are typically captured alive using shop vacuums and special inline traps. After that, they are sent to freezers to induce a calmer state. Then, the wasps are sent to medical labs to help develop stinging bug allergy treatments. An alternative solution is relocating them to beekeepers.
While it remains unknown whether Mount Holyoke will remove the yellow jackets, the following tips might help you reduce the risks of being stung.
Avoid things that attract insects, which includes sweet-smelling perfumes and lotions and clothes with bright colors. Sweet foods and drinks, especially sodas and other canned beverages, are also huge attractions.
Don’t make any physical contact with the yellow jackets, as they can become aggressive and may sting you. Instead, if a yellow jacket comes at you, gently move it away using a book, a piece of paper or your cupped hand.
Let professionals handle the nests — don’t try to spray the yellow jackets yourself. Those who are allergic should be extremely cautious.