Yellow jackets are easily recognizable by their striking black and yellow striped bodies, which make them stand out from other wasps. These wasps are about ½ inch to ⅝ inch long and have slim, smooth bodies with narrow waists. Their wings are translucent and slightly tinted, and their heads are typically darker with yellow markings. Yellow jackets are social insects, often seen in groups.
Yellow jackets are omnivores and scavengers, meaning they eat various foods. Their diet consists mainly of sugary liquids like nectar and fruit juice, which provide the energy they need to fly. However, yellow jackets also feed on protein-rich foods such as meat and other insects. This is why you might spot them at a picnic or near garbage cans—especially when they’re looking for a quick food source.
Yes, yellow jackets can be harmful. While they are not naturally aggressive, they will sting if they feel their nest is threatened. Their sting is painful and can cause allergic reactions in some people. Multiple stings at once can be particularly dangerous, potentially leading to more serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. It’s important to avoid disturbing them or their nests to prevent stings.
Yellow jackets don’t cause significant damage to property in the way termites or carpenter ants do. However, their nests can be a nuisance. As they build their nests, they can damage areas around your home, such as attics, walls, or even the structural wood where the nest is built. Over time, the presence of a nest can also attract other insects.
Yellow jacket nests are usually large, round, and paper-like, resembling a honeycomb structure. The nests are made from chewed-up wood fibers mixed with saliva, creating a papery exterior. The size of the nest varies, ranging from a fist-sized nest to much larger, football-sized ones. The nests have multiple layers of hexagonal cells inside, which house the queen, workers, and larvae. If you spot one, it’s important not to disturb it, as yellow jackets can become highly aggressive when their nest is threatened.
Yellow jackets can nest both in the ground and above ground. While they build nests in sheltered spots like attics or under roof eaves, ground nests are just as common. These nests are typically found in abandoned rodent burrows, under piles of leaves, or areas with dense vegetation. Ground nests can be especially dangerous since they are harder to spot and can be located in areas with high foot traffic. Yellow jackets are highly protective of their nests, and if disturbed, they will aggressively defend their colony.
Yellow jackets are drawn to homes by a variety of factors, including:
If your home has access to these resources, it’s more likely to attract yellow jackets looking to settle in nearby.
Because yellow jackets can be dangerous, especially for those allergic to stings, it’s always best to contact a professional pest control company to handle the situation. If you live in Four Seasons Pest Control’s Virginia and North Carolina service area, we’d be happy to inspect and develop a solution for your yellow jacket problem. Contact us today!
Preventing yellow jackets from making themselves comfortable on your property requires a proactive approach. Here are a few tips to keep them away:
Trim vegetation: Overgrown bushes and trees can provide yellow jackets with ideal nesting spots. Keep vegetation well-maintained and trim back any bushes or vines near your home’s exterior.
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