Yellowjacket Wasp

Natural Habitat

Yellowjackets are found in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, urban areas, and suburban gardens. They often build their nests in hidden locations.

Diet & Feeding

Adult yellowjackets feed on nectar, fruit, and other sugary substances. They also prey on various insects, including flies, caterpillars, and spiders, which they bring back to the nest to feed their larvae. Larvae excrete a sugary liquid that adults consume.

Behavior Patterns

Yellowjackets are social insects that live in colonies, often numbering in the thousands. They are known for building nests in underground cavities, hollow logs, or sometimes in dense bushes and attics. They are most active during late summer and early fall when their colonies reach peak size. Workers forage for food and defend the nest aggressively. They can sting repeatedly.

Risks & Benefits

Yellowjackets can be a nuisance and pose a risk to humans due to their aggressive stinging behavior, especially when their nests are disturbed. Their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. However, they also provide benefits by preying on agricultural pests and helping to control insect populations.

Identified on: 8/15/2025