In about three weeks, families of wasps will be visiting our backyard barbecues.

Experts say hornets and yellow jackets are out in big numbers this year, and they're looking for new sources of food.

Science Specialist Ed Yeates tells us why.

Wasps and their relatives like to build nests under eaves and roofs. Usually, we leave them alone because as predators they eat other bugs we dislike even more.

But this year, experts say they could become a nuisance, because in sheer numbers alone, these bug eaters may have to look elsewhere for food.

As the summer wears on and the insect population drops, the wasp family-- including hornets and yellow jackets-- will migrate to backyard barbecues and campgrounds where they can pick up pieces of meat.

Exterminators expect to be busy in another three weeks or so as wasps and their relatives move in.

Again hornets and wasps eat other bugs, so don't call an exterminator unless they're overrunning your property.

More About Wasps, Hornets, & Yellowjackets
(Source: USU Extension horticulturists)

• They are usually responsible for most of the "stinging" in Utah.
• They're more likely to become pests late in the season.
• When they visit your picnic or campsite, they're probably looking for sweets, like soda pop and fruit, or meat.

• Cover outdoor foods & put lids on garbage cans.
• Every day, pick up fruit that falls from fruit trees.
• To destroy a nest, use a commercial spray designed to kill hornets & yellowjackets.
• Spray around dusk, when insects are less active.
• Follow directions on label.
• Be careful. These insects will attack to defend their colonies. Stings can be quite painful.