Yellowjacket Activity Down This Year

Spokane photographer Nick Follger was shooting photos at two recent outdoor weddings when he noticed something odd. No yellow jackets. “Usually you have to worry about them, especially around tables holding lots of food. The yellow jackets usually consider the food as one big feast,” Follger said. Follger and his wife, Michele, have also enjoyed more meals outdoors on their deck uninterrupted by the swarms of yellow jackets they usually see at this time of year. The Follgers’ impressions are supported by the observations of Peter Landolt, one of Washington’s foremost insect researchers: This year is not a big year for yellow jackets/ Tom Sowa , SR. More here. (SR file photo)

Question: Have you noticed a drop in yellowjacket activity in your yard this year? And/or: Anyone out there stung by a yellowjacket or bee this summer?