More ‘Aggressive’ Wasps Could Be Coming to the Hudson Valley

Environmental groups are issuing a waring to help keep families safe during the last weeks of summer.

In the Hudson Valley, different seasons see the increased activity of different animals. From mammals to insects, each has their own reason... ranging from romantic to painful.

Mating Season for Hudson Valley Skunks

Skunks are much more active during their mating season in February and March, and can cause an extra hazard for commuters who are more likely to encounter them on the road.

Mating Season for Hudson Valley Snapping Turtles

The same can be said for snapping turtles in late spring, when their mating (and nesting) season brings them out of the water and on to local roads and yards. While these animals might cause inconvenience, neither are aggressive. The same can't be said for the wasps many Hudson Valley residents are likely to encounter later this month.

Yellowjacket Season in the Hudson Valley

"Yellowjacket season is beginning", a land conservancy recently posted on Facebook (below). There's several reasons why this time of year might increase the insect's aggression.

Why Are New York Yellowjackets More Active in August and September?

The end of summer can be a stressful time for yellowjackets as they begin to prepare for lean winter months, leading to increased attacks on anything (or anyone) that they perceive as a threat:

After spending the summer months building their nests, yellow jacket colonies are struggling to feed all those hungry mouths. Couple that with dropping temperatures and dwindling food sources, and yellow jackets become downright hostile

As the season changes, another potential hazard can be to residential homes. In the face of colder temperatures, wasps (and many other insects) without proper shelter might begin to explore human-made structures to escape the weather.

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Tips for Wasp Safety in New York

Tips to avoid aggressive wasps in nature include staying on trails, travelling in groups, and avoiding excess banging or slamming of hiking poles, as this may agitate nearby wasps. Homeowners should check under roof eaves and other sheltered areas for potential nests.