Yellow jackets are making bear hunting tough this year.

[jrebel]

I have never seen it this bad in my lifetime. The yellow jackets are horrible this year in the NE corner.

Hundreds swarm you anytime you stop moving.  Skinning my nephews bear was full on dangerous!!!!   We need some cooler weather ot archery season is gonna be a pain.  You can’t hear anything but buzzing….   If you have allergies to bees….make sure you have your epi!! 

[hunter399]

I have never seen it this bad in my lifetime. The yellow jackets are horrible this year in the NE corner.

Hundreds swarm you anytime you stop moving.  Skinning my nephews bear was full on dangerous!!!!   We need some cooler weather ot archery season is gonna be a pain.  You can’t hear anything but buzzing….   If you have allergies to bees….make sure you have your epi!!

I'll second this. +1.
Haven't been bear hunting.
But them yellow jackets are bad this year.

[Southpole]

We’ve gotten lucky here in Northport but our friends place in Entiat is awful. I risked my life trying to fillet a bunch of fish, got stung a few times. Go to any hardware store right now and that’s all that people are talking about.

[Feathernfurr]

Got tore up by some while bt scouting about a month ago. Had them swarming my truck on the bear opener. Could definitely do without them.

[92xj]

I concur.   It’s the worst I have ever seen by orders of magnitude.   At our place, east of you, it started right after that first super hot weekend a few weeks ago.   They just exploded in numbers.   You step out of the cabin or trailer and there are 50 within 5 feet of you.   The buzz is deafening.   Unfortunately I had to resort to traps to help tame them a little for the kids.  Would fill the surface area of the 2 11x20” pans of water/oil within 8 hours, dump and repeat. Left the traps up last weekend and the neighbors dogs came over, destroyed them and ate the rotten meat hanging. Hopefully they have severe diarrhea and got stung a bunch, I hate those stupid dogs coming on my place

[bornhunter]

Crazy. This time last year we were covered with yellow jackets.  Have seen just a couple so far this summer in west Lewis County.

[birdshooter1189]

I haven't noticed them too bad this year yet around my place on the west side. Last year they were terrible around my house. I put up a few of these traps and I killed hundreds of them this way. I would put apple cider vinegar in the bottom of the trap, or a piece of rotten fruit, or a piece of meat.  When the trap filled i'd submerge it in a bucket of water for about 20 minutes to kill the bees, then I would open it and clean it out and re-bait and put the trap back out.

I never noticed a single honey bee or mason bee or other good bees in the traps. It seemed to do a good job at just attracting the yellow jackets and bald face hornets.

https://www.amazon.com/Protecker-Effective-Deterrent-Non-Toxic-Reusable/dp/B0D4DRYGTC/ref=sr_1_28?crid=2NA2WGZ6Y8IY3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TUlYV4Pesf3gv7qGhOOCs_k_UmXDGw3GWWdSZXc96R30s3mWFaQaZ2TVe-6oQ69uXBCDifdIcqcL6Nqsu_uDNuczp1-by7uPqwB_hCJRWWB32Fxcto8Xfpd1psWVpgr5ifu39TXGBMumasBOkWFX7f19hQu8N4ra7da4r7_LBa2_R8XHguga_EF92RvvzOEu2N5nyRaKfUtJ-kUb9HxixfvaqDnSidsYjx9yPVHgaOM4vLfTyJSjPBPp1fA1AcocRp2tnh3xie-oaq-rMNy5O-cRpYZ11Sjgb4SkFomCC28.KQL7-klYCSLsR3-pcDxTGk3ZvrFXzv9eOy1mfSIIjbY&dib_tag=se&keywords=bee%2Btrap&qid=1722955701&sprefix=bee%2Bt%2Caps%2C265&sr=8-28&th=1

[jrebel]

We hang the yellow jacket traps and fill them in a day around our cabin.   Empty and repeat…..there is no shortage of bees this year.  2018 was a relatively bad year…..but the last 4-5 years has been very mild. 

It’s so bad this year, if I was allergic to bees……I wouldn’t be in the woods.  It’s BADDDDD!!

[MeepDog]

If only there was some sort of predator that would dig up yellow jacket nests for food. Sounds like you need a new bear spot, they aren't doing their job. 

[jrebel]

The bears are stumping hard this fall.  All the berries are burned up.  My nephews bears stomach was full of ants, bees and grubs.   The wild plumbs and choke cherries in our area are 3-4 week early and the elderberry bushes are full of berries but not ripe yet.   It will be a retesting year for bear.  I’m thinking calling could be very productive in a month or so. 

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

It has been bad over here as well.  I did find a new trap set up this year that really helped tame them, grab a small tray and some chunk chicken (probably any meat will work), and soak it with a tube of flea and tick treatment that contains Fipronil.  They eat it and some die quickly, others return to the hive and spread it to their buddies.  I noticed a big change after a couple days.   

[nwwanderer]

They are clean up crews but one will placed stomp could save pain.

[baldopepper]

If only there was some sort of predator that would dig up yellow jacket nests for food. Sounds like you need a new bear spot, they aren't doing their job. 
Actually skunks dig them up. Had a big nest near me and went out to treat it but was already dug up.  Checked into it on line and found that skunks do this and I do see em around often. Two edge sword as skunks are also rough on game bird nests.

[hunter399]

It has been bad over here as well.  I did find a new trap set up this year that really helped tame them, grab a small tray and some chunk chicken (probably any meat will work), and soak it with a tube of flea and tick treatment that contains Fipronil.  They eat it and some die quickly, others return to the hive and spread it to their buddies.  I noticed a big change after a couple days.

We where gonna give that a try .
Heard about it last year.
Currently we are getting fruit off the backyard trees.
Draining a back yard pool . To try get a few out of my backyard.

[HikerHunter]

Last summer, I had multiple yellow jacket nests on my property, worst I had seen it in a long time. But this year hasn't been bad, I'm westside though

[JakeLand]

What ive been doing because of our honey bee hives is I set traps in March for yellow jackets and I catch the queens early and I never have a issue anymore

[highside74]

Last summer, I had multiple yellow jacket nests on my property, worst I had seen it in a long time. But this year hasn't been bad, I'm westside though

Same for me last year on the west side. Got stung 8 times while brush mowing. One time just standing in the driveway watching the dogs play. I was literally doing nothing aggressive. Next thing I know I got blasted on my head and 20 more were above me. I drove my truck down to the nest that got me 8 times and they attacked my truck by the hundreds if not thousands. It took 3 evenings of suiting up in winter gear and my tractor to finally root them all out and spray them.

[builtfordtough]

Lake wenatchee area horrible.   Worse I have ever seen this year.

[SpicyTacos]

...Thank the Biden Admin for this increase...

[jrebel]

After combat gutting and skinning….with no bites.  I just got stung while standing on my deck.      I hate those dirty Vermin!!

[Naches Sportsman]

Air Medevac’d a guy out of the woods Friday morning and heard another incident on the radio Saturday evening. That time of year!

[elkrack]

I was just talking to a neighbor yesterday about how few yellowjackets I’ve had to deal with this year. Maybe they followed all you smart Washingtonians and moved to the east side 

[dreadi]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

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[duckmen1]

Last year was insane and the worst we had seen at our property on the westside. This year saw searchers early on looking to build nests but haven't seen a single nest.

Now in the woods seems consistant. I can't keep bald faced hornets away. Every year I get tore up by them things.

[slowreflexes]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

[jrebel]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active. 

[vandeman17]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Rain at your property?

[jrebel]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Rain at your property?

Yeah, we had two thunder squalls come through and it rained hard for 45-60 minutes.  Hard enough my son took a shower on the deck    .   I would guess 1-1.5 inches of rain…..it was running down the driveway like a river.  It helped drop the temps 25 degrees in about half an hour. 

[vandeman17]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Rain at your property?

Yeah, we had two thunder squalls come through and it rained hard for 45-60 minutes.  Hard enough my son took a shower on the deck    .   I would guess 1-1.5 inches of rain…..it was running down the driveway like a river.  It helped drop the temps 25 degrees in about half an hour.

Interesting. I would love to get a few little rain squalls at my place. I just don't want lightning

[jrebel]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Rain at your property?

Yeah, we had two thunder squalls come through and it rained hard for 45-60 minutes.  Hard enough my son took a shower on the deck    .   I would guess 1-1.5 inches of rain…..it was running down the driveway like a river.  It helped drop the temps 25 degrees in about half an hour.

Interesting. I would love to get a few little rain squalls at my place. I just don't want lightning

We had 100-150 lightning strikes within 3-5 mile radio us of our place.  That was concerning, until the deluge of rain that followed.  Our property sits in a valley that funnels afternoon squalls, which is kind of nice.   Sucks when I’m hunting and have to run for cover so I’m not waking out drenched.   

[dreadi]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Yes, in Elma.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

[jrebel]

I hung these traps and 60 seconds later this is what we had.  5 traps hung and they will be full in 24 hours. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/9jhFUA_ScC4?si=eWQOYN9Ve8LMAGj9

[Ridgeratt]

I would guess that you have a ground nest somewhere. You might have several things.

[jrebel]

I would guess that you have a ground nest somewhere. You might have several things.

Every ounce of our property has this amount of bees.  It is deafening when you are sitting on the hill looking for bears.   

[Ridgeratt]

You could always go find some type of fish carcass and suspend it over a 5 gallon bucket of water with a teaspoon of dish soap in the water.

[TommyH]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Rain at your property?

Yeah, we had two thunder squalls come through and it rained hard for 45-60 minutes.  Hard enough my son took a shower on the deck    .   I would guess 1-1.5 inches of rain…..it was running down the driveway like a river.  It helped drop the temps 25 degrees in about half an hour.

Interesting. I would love to get a few little rain squalls at my place. I just don't want lightning

We had 100-150 lightning strikes within 3-5 mile radio us of our place.  That was concerning, until the deluge of rain that followed.  Our property sits in a valley that funnels afternoon squalls, which is kind of nice.   Sucks when I’m hunting and have to run for cover so I’m not waking out drenched.   

I watched that last evening from the east side of the mtns.  it was lighting up the sky pretty good as it moved north. Looked like several really heavy concentrations of rain, we missed most of it.

[nwwanderer]

Badger aftermath

[Platensek-po]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Yes, in Elma.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

Probably in my honey hole  nah lots of bears and good areas around there

[dreadi]

I must be hunting in the most odd spot. Most berries are still green and there's no yellow jackets.

sounds like we are hunting in similar areas because I'm seeing what you're seeing.

West side I presume?? 

We just got torrential rains last night so maybe it will keep them at bay for a day or so.   It also got cold last night, which helps too.  The previous temps are holding in the upper 60’s which keeps the bees active.

Yes, in Elma.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

Probably in my honey hole  nah lots of bears and good areas around there

A honey hole would be nice. There's a trade off for access to private property with some animal traffic vs public land. I took a bear in that spot last year, I had much bear activity on camera prior to the hunt. But this year, I haven't seen a bear on camera in a couple weeks.


BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
http://www.facebook.com/blackhammerarms
https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerarms

[hunter399]

Man these bee 🐝 are freaking bad.
. Bear hunting has been terrible with the bee's . It's pissing me off for sure.

[Scruffy]

I was hoping the bee situation improved on the east side so I asked my neighbor. He said the number of bees decreased slightly but the remaining ones are more aggressive.  When I was over at the property for the opener I was concerned if I got a bear the bees would eat it before I could process it.......

[C-Money]

I haven't been up to the woods much this summer. Guess I wont be heading out anytime soon. Some of my sons away football games could be interesting before the sun goes down. Good to know!

[Rob]

Y'all know these are not bees, right?

Bees are fuzzy, cute, add to society by producing Honey, Wax and Pollen, will babysit your kids if you ask nice and might even lend you money.

Yellow Jackets are mean, nasty, will sting you over and over and still not die, provide no significant value to society, have been known to hold up gas stations and most are registered democrats. 

[jrebel]

    

[dilleytech]

There’s always been one or two around me everytime I’m out but I just ignore them. Never been stung in the field.

[hunter399]

There is still a few nests out there.
If we ever get a down pour of rain, some nests would go away.