Swarming Yellow Jackets: A Tale of Unlikely Strangers in Western North Carolina

As the rain poured down on western North Carolina, a stormy welcome for swarms of yellow jackets descended upon the region. The heavy flooding and standing water that followed Hurricane Helene's path likely destroyed the insects' underground nests and toppled trees or stumps that held them, sending these unwanted guests into a frenzy. In a bizarre turn of events, residents of western North Carolina are finding themselves sharing their outdoor spaces with swarms of yellow jackets. While some might view this as an unwelcome nuisance, it's clear that the rain-soaked environment has become a new habitat for these insects. "It's like they're just taking over," says Tarren Pruitt, a registered nurse in West Jefferson, North Carolina. "I take my kids out and we can't even walk outside without seeing one or two. " While most people aren't allergic to wasp or bee stings, the symptoms can still be painful and itchy at the site. Benadryl, either in topical or oral form, can help reduce these symptoms, while EpiPens are reserved for those with severe allergic reactions.The key to avoiding a yellow jacket sting is to be aware of their behavior. When these insects sense danger, they release pheromones that signal other yellow jackets to attack. Yellow jackets are generally more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times, making them a formidable opponent. To mitigate the risk of stings, residents in affected areas are advised to wait until the insects have left or until nightfall when they're less active. Chris Hayes, an extension associate in urban entomology at North Carolina State University, notes that the storm's effects may have aggravated some colonies even further, as efforts to clear out felled trees could restrict yellow jackets' access to food sources. While this might seem like a nightmare scenario, it's worth noting that yellow jackets are often more aggressive when they're searching for food. As Chris Hayes explains, "They tend to get more aggressive this time of year because food is becoming more scarce, populations are typically crashing, and they're getting ready to overwinter. " In the meantime, residents can take steps to protect themselves from these unwelcome visitors. If you encounter a yellow jacket nest that has been disturbed, it's recommended to slowly walk away with both hands over your face to protect sensitive areas.