Stinging Insects
Yellowjacket
| Appearance |
|---|
 Small wasps with black and yellow stripes; 1/2- to 1 inch. Two sets of wings and a narrow waist. |
| Habitat |
| Yellowjackets can live in trees, houses, or on the ground. These wasps often build their nests inside the walls of buildings, entering through cracks in the exterior. They live in colonies containing thousands of individuals. Yellowjackets are highly social and will sting if their colony is threatened, with symptoms ranging from painful swelling to life-threatening allergic shock. Unlike honeybees, which sting once and then die, a single yellowjacket can sting multiple times. While they are beneficial pollinators of flowering plants, colonies can pose a threat. |
| Diet |
| Yellowjackets feed on nectar, fruits, juices, and certain foods. They may also hunt insects and spiders in some cases. |
| Control |
| To prevent accidental stings, be cautious when working in the garden if you observe wasps flying to and from a single point or a hole in the side of a house, as this may indicate the location of a colony. Be especially careful when using lawnmowers or other powered lawn equipment, as loud, vibrating noises can disturb yellowjackets and provoke them to attack. Once you locate a nest, stay away from it. If yellowjackets are seen entering and exiting a wall, do not plug the hole. If a colony poses a threat, it should be eliminated by a professional, as treating these nests can be dangerous. |
