Yellowjackets

The yellowjacket is one of the most dangerous insects known to man. These brightly colored wasps possess a fiery sting and bite seemingly out of proportion to their size.

Yellowjackets are a common pest at picnics and other outdoor activities. They scavenge for meat and sweet liquids, which brings them into frequent contact with humans. Yellowjacket attacks can be deadly for people who are allergic to their stings.

Although many people see their yellow and black markings and label them "bees", yellowjackets are actually a type of wasp. Yellowjackets, paper wasps and bees are differentiated by several physical characteristics.

What makes them dangerous

Yellowjackets are more aggressive than other stinging insects such as wasps, hornets, mud daubers or bees. Yellowjackets can sting and bite. Since they don't lose their stinger, they can sting numerous times, and will do so unprovoked.

Yellowjackets vigorously defend their nests. Swarm attacks can occur when someone accidentally steps in or hits a nest opening. Attacks from underground nests can also be triggered by ground vibrations -- thus, mowing lawns can be hazardous during the late summer season when colonies are large.

Some real-life yellowjacket horror stories shared by our customers illustrate how dangerous yellowjackets can be. We also have a list of yellowjacket DOs and DON'Ts and steps to take if you're stung.

Feeding characteristics

Most yellowjacket workers forage for food within 1,000 feet of their nest -- a distance of three football fields.

In the middle of the season -- usually June or July -- yellowjackets are drawn to protein sources, such as hamburgers on the barbecue grill. During the late summer to early fall, they tend to shift their diet to sweets, such as soda or juice.