Characteristics, Habits, and Geography
Yellowjackets have horizontal yellow and black bands across their abdomens, white or yellow faces, long, barbed stingers, and strong mandibles. While they are frequently mistaken for bees, yellowjackets have more
slender abdomens than bees and do not have the same dense hair. They are social wasps, and live in colonies composed small workers approximately 1/2 inch long, and a larger queen approximately 3/4 inch long. Only queens survive during winter, living in sheltered areas such as hollow logs, sheds, under porches, and in leaf litter. Once spring arrives, fertilized queens leave their winter homes and begin to give birth to colonies, which in turn begin the work of building nests.
Nests are usually constructed in the ground, often in rodent holes. However, yellowjackets will also build nests in railroad ties, in the eaves of buildings, hanging from tree branches, in attics, and other such areas. Yellowjacket nests are created from chewed up vegetable fibers which are reformed into paper, and have only one entrance hole. As the summer progresses, the colonies continue to grow, reaching as many as 4,000 to 5,000 members. At the same time, the wasps become increasingly protective of their nests, and therefore more and more aggressive.
The diet of yellowjackets consists of primarily of sugars and carbohydrates, such as fruits, flowers, soda, sweets, and tree sap. Their fondness for sugar draws them to picnicking areas, open garbage cans, and other spots near humans, turning them into pests. They are common throughout the United States.
Damage Signs
Homeowners should be alert to the presence of yellowjacket nests in and around the home, especially in sheltered areas such as under eaves, in attics, and in sheds. As colonies increase in size throughout the summer, the nests also increase in size, and in some cases have even been known to grow to a few feet across. Another sign of yellowjacket infestation is the presence of the wasps themselves; they can often be spotted buzzing around trash cans and flowers.
Yellowjackets are quite aggressive, and will sting multiple times if provoked. Individuals who accidentally disrupt nests should leave the of the area immediately before they are attacked by large numbers of the wasps. Most people find the stings painful and may experience some swelling, but do not suffer any lasting effects. However, some are allergic to the yellowjackets’ venom, and may experience severe reactions. Such persons should seek immediate medical attention if stung.
Control
Yellowjackets are susceptible to insecticides, although cautions should be exhibited in placing the insecticides, so that the insects are not startled. One possible method is to spread insecticide dust on and around the opening of the nest. This should be done at night, when yellowjackets are less active. Homeowners who do not feel up to the task of dealing with the insects themselves, or who have severe infestations, should call a professional exterminator to remove the yellowjackets.