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Yellowjacket wasps prey on other insects and also scavenge on human food and garbage. Yellowjackets
defend their nests with stings, like other social wasps and bees, but also are more likely to sting if disturbed
while foraging. Stings generally cause pain and short-term injury, but some people suffer severe allergic responses.
Prevent injury by avoiding wasps and removing food sources. Populations may be reduced by trapping or nest
treatment. Pesticides other than nest treatments are usually ineffective.
Make sure it’s a yellowjacket.
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- Yellowjackets are 1/2 to 1 inch long, with jagged bright
yellow and dark black stripes. Their narrow “waist” is barely visible. Other common wasps do
not scavenge on food. Yellowjackets nest in holes in the ground, inside wall cavities, or in hanging nests
enclosed in grey paper.
- Honeybees are less brightly striped than yellowjackets, and are hairier. Usually they aren’t attracted
to food (sometimes to sweets) and are unlikely to sting unless trapped or stepped on. They usually nest inside of cavities
in trees or houses.
- Paper wasps have long slender waists, build open paper nests under eaves, and are rarely aggressive.
- Mud daubers are dark-colored and thread-waisted, build small hard mud nests, and rarely sting.
Keep your cool to avoid stings.
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- If a wasp lands on you, don’t swat it or run. Wait for it to leave, or gently brush
it away.
- Do not disturb nests. Wasps flying from a hole in the ground or a building indicate a probable nest.
Remove attractive food sources.
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- Keep foods, including pet food, covered or indoors.
- Cover sugary drinks when outdoors. Yellowjackets may crawl into soda cans.
- Keep garbage in sealed cans and empty regularly.
- Pick up and dispose of ripe fruit.
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Use traps to reduce yellowjacket numbers in local areas.
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- Hang yellowjacket lure traps out in spring to catch nesting queens. Traps may reduce but
not eliminate populations and work only on some species.
- Make a homemade water trap with a meat bait hung on a string just above soapy water.
- Place traps a distance away from areas, such as picnic tables, where people congregate.
To protect yourself and your family, consider calling a professional if you find nests.
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- Ask your Mosquito and Vector Control District if they treat nests or locate a licensed pest
control operator in your phone book.
- If you choose to treat nests yourself, wear protective clothing on your body, hands, and head. Use an insecticide
that shoots a long stream into the nest entrance.
- Nests may be far away and impossible to locate.
- Paper wasp nests should not require treatment unless they are located near human passageways.
Minimize the use of pesticides that pollute our waterways. Use nonchemical alternatives or less toxic pesticide products whenever possible. Read product labels carefully and follow instructions on proper use, storage, and disposal. |
