Critter Mysteries: Yellowjackets and Cottonwood Leaf Beetles
by Bethany Abrahamson, with contributions from NMSU Extension Specialists! QUESTION: W e have a nest of what appears to be very busy yellowjackets on our property. We experienced a recent hard freeze and some snow, and the soil in my raised beds is frozen solid. Can you share some fun facts about these little fellas? Is the warm weather keeping them active or is this typical for them? -- Kasey M., Sandoval County Photo credit: Kasey M. Sandoval County ANSWER: In doing some preliminary research I found the following quote: “yellowjacket colonies do not normally survive the winter and the first hard freeze will eliminate most colonies.” ( via Clemson Cooperative Extension/ ) …which is incredible to see, after the cold snap that we experienced in the area late January (when these photos were taken)! University of Florida also reports that colonies die off in the winter. However, it does seem like mild winters can allow yellowjackets to overwinter and coloni...