>Ted wonders about the ubiquitous yellowjacket...
> I even put my extracted supers into the apiary for
>>the bees to clean out, and not even these has attracted a yellow jacket, to my
>>knowledge.
>>
>>What is going on?
 
Here in central NY, I am also surprised at the lack of yellow jackets for
this time of year.  Last summer by now they were getting pesty, and I knew
of at least four thriving colonies within our meager 1.3 acres (one aerial
in a hemlock, one in the eave of my house, one in a bluebird box, and one
ground-nesting, plus one in my garage which I terminated early on); there
could well have been more.  The bald-faced "hornets" were also extremely
prominent, especially when there were sticky pails or honey implements
outside.
 
This summer - hardly any.  A new (germanica) queen did start a nest again
in my eave back in spring, but the colony never materialized.  Nor am I
seeing the large quantities of foragers lurking around.  Maybe the bad
winter limited the survival of queens.  (It sure would be interesting if
some mites were found to be involved.)  I'm not complaining -- it's nice to
be able to have a cookout without the unwanted guests.  Interesting to
note, tho'...