When does the yellowjacket shift toward opportunistic scavenging of human food sources typically become prominent?
Answer
Late summer and early fall when the colony reaches peak population
The dramatic shift toward scavenging human food sources, such as spilled sodas and discarded meat, is characteristic of the late season behavior, generally late summer through early fall. This occurs because the colony has reached its maximum population density, and the need for protein for the brood begins to slow down. With fewer larvae demanding protein, the sheer number of hungry adults shifts focus to readily available sugars and proteins to keep fueled before the colony dies off with the onset of hard frost. This timing coincides with peak outdoor human activity.
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