This is the time of year in New York when yellow jacket "incidents" increase. If you've ever been assaulted by yellow jackets, I'm sure you'll agree that the word "incident" doesn't come close to covering it. These aggressive wasps can swarm, sting multiple times, and give chase. Some "incident" reports talk about them going around obstacles to get to their victim. But what makes these painful pests so dangerous in fall? Here are three things you may not know about yellow jackets that could keep you from becoming a statistic this fall--or any time.

1. The yellow jacket you see in fall will not likely be around in spring. How does this affect you? Yellow jacket nests in spring are generally starter nests because most yellow jackets don't make it through winter. The way this affects you is simple. Those yellow jackets have had all summer to build their population. So, if you have the misfortune of disturbing a yellow jacket nest in the fall, you can expect a much different "incident" then you would experience in the spring. This can be avoided by having mature fall nests removed.

2. Yellow jackets like to live in holes. Unlike all those easy-to-spot wasp nests on your eaves and roof peaks, the grayish material of a yellow jacket nest will often be hidden underground or under bushes. That means crunching around in bushes or working near logs, stumps and stacked wood should be done with caution in the fall. One misstep could have you running across the lawn and down the driveway in panic.

3. Yellow jackets also like outbuildings. If you have a shed, barn, or storage structure on your property, you should always be cautious re-visiting it. If these stinging insects find harborage in a man-made structure they can survive the winter. This can result in a super colony. If you think three-dozen fall yellow jackets are painful, try hundreds.

The best protection from fall yellow jackets is an inspection from a pest professional and the immediate removal of all yellow jacket nests on your property, as mentioned above. But there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

• Be mindful that these insects live in the ground and that the vibration from mowing your lawn can set them off.

• Be aware that a nest hidden in your garden or in overgrowth can become much more of a danger in fall. Be careful around these areas.

• Educate your kids so that they don't go crashing through the woods next to the house in fall when these insects have maximum populations.

• Take precautions in and around old buildings.

It is never fun to run into a yellow jacket nest, but it is even less fun in the fall. Take precautions, stay safe and contact Thomas Pest Services for all your stinging insect control needs.