When marking a suspected underground yellowjacket nest entrance, where must a flag or rock be placed relative to the actual hole?

Answer

Near the hole, but never directly in or on the entrance

Safety protocols are paramount when dealing with active yellowjacket nests due to their aggressive defensive behavior. If an entrance is located, it must be marked for later action, such as DIY treatment or professional inspection, but this marking must be done carefully to avoid provoking an immediate attack. The critical guideline is to place the marker, such as a flag or a rock, in the immediate vicinity of the entrance hole. Placing the object directly onto, or covering, the entrance can be interpreted by guard wasps as a direct threat or obstruction, which instantly triggers a defensive swarm response from the colony. Marking the location safely from a distance allows for later targeted intervention.

When marking a suspected underground yellowjacket nest entrance, where must a flag or rock be placed relative to the actual hole?

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