My cat pulled a live yellow jacket out of our chimney this week. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to to get rid of any nests that may be up there before warm weather? update 4/1--I had thought a fire would cause the yellow jackets to become more active and possibly get into the house before the smoke could kill or stun them. I still have no idea what to spray them with, and have had the damper closed. As the weather has warmed it does appear that there are no more than the dozen or so I found dead so my problem seems to have solved itself.

Build a fire in the fireplace.

Make sure your damper is closed and after sunset....give it a good spray...this will kill the queen too when they are all in the nest. Best to spray from the top of the chimney.

A citronella candle in the fireplace runs them off every time.