How to Eliminate a Yellow Jacket Nest

Locate the yellow jacket nest. This is a bit of a challenge, but if you observe from a safe distance you will see the yellow jackets going in and out of the hole in the ground. Give yourself at least 100 feet of distance to observe, if not more. Use binoculars if necessary.

Notate the area clearly in your yard. If you can place something safely near the hole without being stung, then do so. Use caution as anytime you come near you risk getting stung. Use landmarks in your yard to clearly know where the hole is.

Cover all exposed skin, including your face. Use a handkerchief or bandanna to cover your face. Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into boots for safety.

Wait until dark, as this is the time when all the yellow jackets will be in the hole and down for the evening. Still exercise caution as they will come out if they are agitated.

Place a large strong bowl over the opening of the hole in the ground. Make sure that the bowl is see through and that it is firmly pushed into the ground. Immediately leave the area as the yellow jackets may have an alternate entrance/exit.

Observe the area over the next day or two. The yellow jackets will eventually starve to death, or escape through an alternate exit. If it is the latter, they tend to relocate elsewhere. If it is the former, then your problem is solved.