Question:
How do I stop yellowjackets from feeding on my raspberries?Answer:
Yellowjackets are social wasps that build paper nests in the ground, a log, building wall, attic, or other sites. The workers from the colony travel up to a few hundred yards from the nest while looking for food. In early summer, the wasps forage for caterpillars and other “meat” items and are beneficial predators. However, in late summer they prefer sweets such as soda pop, candy, and the juices of fruits and vegetables.
Discourage yellowjackets from feeding on raspberries by harvesting the fruit as soon as they ripen. Remove any over-ripe or damaged fruit from the garden area. Do not leave beverages, candy, or other food items in the vicinity of the raspberries as they may attract yellowjackets to the area.
Applications of insecticides to raspberries are of very limited benefit and difficult to use because of preharvest waiting intervals. Yellowjacket nests in the ground, logs, or walls can be destroyed by placing an insecticide dust in and around the nest entrance during the night.