Nevada officials issue warning over yellowjackets

Nevada Department of Agriculture officials have issued a warning to outdoor enthusiasts about a threat lurking primarily in forested areas: Yellowjackets.

They say yellowjacket colonies are at their peak and are proliferating this season, especially at certain sites around Lake Tahoe.

Yellowjackets are attracted to meat at campsites because their food sources start getting more scarce.

Officials urged people to avoid swinging at the insects, saying it could unleash a defense pheromone that can signal other yellowjackets to attack.

Officials recommend that people place a small piece of fish or meat away from camps and picnic areas to keep yellowjackets away.

Hikers also are being urged to watch where they step to avoid ground-nesting yellowjackets.