Size
1/2”-1″
Color
Black and yellow
Description
Yellow Jackets are black and yellow, like the honeybee, but do not gather pollen. The queen emerges from her winter hibernation in spring, locates a nest site in an abandoned underground burrow or crevice in a building and begins laying eggs. By summer workers will be seen flying around the nest area.
Yellow jackets will sting if they perceive an attack. Their sting is very painful and they can sting multiple times. They can also mark their attacker with a scent that lets the others know who the target is and they will sometimes pursue the target.
Control Advice
If you see Yellow Jackets stay away from the area until the nest is located. If the nest is on the outside of your home it may be necessary to contact a professional. If the nest is outside, avoid the area and destroy the nest in the fall when the colony is gone.
Active Seasons
Yellow Jackets are active in spring and summer.