And it is extremely toxic if swallowed. Gasoline has become a favorite cure for yellow jackets, ground nesting wasps and fire ants. A lot of folks think pouring gasoline into a yellow jacket nest or fire ant mound is a terrific idea. Actually, it's a really dangerous practice. We are not getting good mileage from this kind of use.
Some people pour gasoline into a yellow jacket nest or fire ant mound and then light it.
It's hard to think of a more dangerous thing to do. A gallon of gasoline has the explosive force equal to 83 sticks of dynamite. If you want to control yellow jackets, ground nesting wasps and fire ants, contact your Clemson University County Extension Office. They can give you advice on how to control these pests. If you use a pesticide to do this, read and follow the label directions exactly.