Anecdotal information points to an especially large population of  yellow jackets on the western Kenai Peninsula this summer.  I have been receiving calls and reports about yellow jackets, workers and nests seem to be everywhere, children are being stung on the nature trails around the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge visitor center, and Soldotna Trustworthy Hardware is out of wasp spray.

Kasilof resident Matt Bowser removing a nest of Vespula alascensis using a shop vac and shovel, 6.August.2013.