Thinking of pouring gasoline into a yellow jacket nest in the ground? Extension experts say don't. Here's why it's risky, often fails, and what to do instead.
Yellow jacket sting pain usually fades in hours. If it won't stop hurting, it may be a large local reaction or an infection. See when to call a doctor or 911.
Wasp sting swelling after 48 hours is often a large local reaction that peaks at 2-3 days and fades in about a week. Signs of infection and when to call 911.
The stinging insects in Virginia, ranked by their real sting risk: yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, bees, fire ants, velvet ants and stinging caterpillars.
The wasps you actually see in Virginia: yellowjackets, paper wasps, hornets, mud daubers and cicada killers. Photos, nests, and which ones really sting you.
Ground hornets and ground wasps: how to tell yellowjackets from cicada killers and digger wasps, what the nest looks like, and when to treat in the DMV.
Hornet vs wasp: every hornet is a wasp, but hornets grow up to 1 3/8 inches. Compare size, nests, and color for the species in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
7 types of wasp nests with photos, plus how to tell if a wasp or hornet nest is empty or still active. Field notes from a Northern Virginia pest tech.
