Yellowjackets (Vespula spp.)
are aggressive wasps known for their painful stings.
They have a unique black and yellow striped body.
Yellowjackets are a type of predatory wasp found commonly in the United States. They are about ½ inches long, while queen wasps can go up to 1 ½ inches. They are easily identifiable by their black and yellow markings( as in their name).
Yellowjackets are known for their painful stings and can become a significant nuisance, especially during the late summer and early fall.
Yellowjackets have a varied diet that makes them both beneficial and troublesome. At outdoor events, they feed on sugary substances like nectar, fruit, and human food, especially sodas and sweets.
Additionally, they are predators of other insects, such as flies and caterpillars, making them natural pest controllers. However, their attraction to human food sources can lead to unpleasant encounters.
Yellowjackets prefer to build their nests in hidden, protected areas. Common nesting sites include underground burrows, hollow logs, tree stumps, and structures like eaves, attics, and wall voids. They often take over abandoned rodent burrows for their underground nests. Yellowjackets make their nests using wood fibres and convert them to a papery substance using their saliva.
The lifecycle of a yellowjacket begins in the spring when the queen emerges from hibernation. She starts a new colony by laying eggs that develop into workers. These workers then take over the foraging and nest-building duties.
The colony grows throughout the summer, reaching its peak population of up to 4,000 workers by late summer or early fall. As winter approaches, the colony dies off, except for the fertilized queens, who find sheltered spots to hibernate and restart the cycle in spring.
Yellowjackets are more aggressive than other wasps and can sting multiple times. Here is a quick comparison table:
| Aspect | Yellowjackets | Other Wasps |
| Aggressiveness | Highly aggressive, can sting multiple times | Generally less aggressive |
| Appearance |
Bright yellow and black stripes, robust body |
Varies, often less distinct colour patterns |
| Nesting Habits | Nests in hidden, protected areas like underground burrows and wall voids | Typically, build nests in exposed areas like trees or shrubs |
| Diet | Feeds on sugary substances and proteins (insects, meat) | Primarily feeds on nectar and small insects |
The most common species of yellowjacket in the United States are the Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons) and the German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica).
The Eastern Yellowjacket is more prevalent in the eastern part of the country. At the same time, the German Yellowjacket, which was introduced in Europe, is found throughout the US and is particularly common in urban areas.
Getting rid of yellow jackets needs some planning and safety measures. It’s best to call professional wasp treatment services because they know how to remove nests safely. If you want to try it yourself, you can use bait traps away from busy areas to attract the yellowjackets. Learn natural removal methods with our yellowjacket DIY guide here.
Insecticide sprays for wasps can work too, but only use them in the evening or early morning when the yellowjackets are less active. Always wear protective clothing to avoid getting stung.
How can yellowjackets be prevented from nesting around your property?
Preventing yellowjacket infestations involves several proactive steps. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and clean, as yellowjackets are attracted to food residues. Remove fallen fruit from your yard promptly, and avoid leaving sugary drinks or food items uncovered outdoors.
Regular inspection of your property is important. You should take care of leaves, and other structures where yellowjackets might build nests. If wasp infestation is intense, call an expert yellowjacket pest control service.
Yellowjackets are predatory wasps known for their black and yellow stripes and aggressive behavior. They are a common pest that can cause painful stings and become a nuisance, especially in late summer.
Yellowjackets build their nests in hidden, protected areas such as underground burrows, hollow logs, tree stumps, and structural voids like eaves and attics. They prefer locations that offer shelter and security.
Yes, yellowjackets are highly aggressive and can sting multiple times when they feel threatened. Their aggressive nature makes them more dangerous compared to other wasp species.
If you find a yellowjacket nest near your home, it's best to contact a professional wasp removal service to remove it safely. Do not try to remove the nest yourself; wasps may bite you due to their aggressive behavior.
Yellowjackets feed on sugary substances like nectar, fruit, human food, and proteins from insects and meat. They feed on sweet substances, making outdoor dining areas prime targets.
Safely removing a yellowjacket nest often requires professional help. If you choose to do it yourself, use bait traps or insecticide sprays designed for wasps, and apply them in the evening or early morning when yellowjackets are less active. Always wear protective clothing to avoid stings.
Yes, yellowjacket stings can be painful and cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Multiple stings can lead to significant discomfort and potential medical emergencies.
To protect your family from yellowjacket stings, keep food and drinks covered when eating outdoors, wear light-colored clothing, avoid wearing strong perfumes, and refrain from swatting at yellowjackets.
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