Yellow Jackets Commonly Asked FAQs

Yellow jackets are aggressive, social wasps known for their distinctive black-and-yellow striped bodies. These insects are commonly found in various habitats, including gardens, wooded areas, and near human habitation. Yellow jackets benefit the ecosystem as predators of other insects, but they can become a huge trouble when they nest near homes and structures. Their stings are painful and can cause extreme reactions in some individuals.

Interesting Facts About Yellow Jacket Behavior

Yellow jackets exhibit some interesting behaviors:

Social Structure: Yellow jackets are social insects with a highly organized colony structure. A single queen starts the colony in the spring. By late summer, the colony can number in the thousands.

Communication: Yellow jackets use chemical signals called pheromones to communicate with each other. These signals help them coordinate activities such as foraging and defending the nest.

Flight Patterns: Yellow jackets are fast and agile fliers. It is challenging to catch or kill them because they can quickly change direction, hover in place, and fly backward.