Here’s why a “live and let live” policy doesn’t always work with yellow jackets. Location, location, location: Sometimes they build nests right above your back door or beside your garage door. Then they get all huffy if you have the temerity to want to come and go as you please. Unreasonable territorial demands: Their insistence on enjoying free, unrestricted access to the entirety of your backyard while you supposedly cower indoors is simply not the basis for a lasting peace. Priorities: You would prefer not to kill anything. And employing chemical weapons is not your idea of natural living. But certain members of your household have a borderline phobia about flying insects armed with stingers. In the end, the choice is clear/Paul Turner, SR. More here. (SR file photo: Kathy Plonka)

Question: I have yellowjackets all over my back yard this year but haven't declared war on them b/c no one has been stung yet. I'm sorta live and let live that way. How about you? Have you been stung this year?