Yellowjacket (likely)

Natural Habitat

Yellowjackets are commonly found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, urban, and suburban areas. They often build nests in aerial locations (trees, shrubs, eaves) or subterranean locations (old rodent burrows, wall voids).

Diet & Feeding

Adult yellowjackets feed on nectar, fruit juices, and other sugary substances. They are also predatory, hunting various insects and spiders to feed their larvae, and scavenge on carrion, picnic foods, and garbage.

Behavior Patterns

Yellowjackets are social insects living in colonies with a queen, workers, and drones. They are known for their aggressive defense of their nests. Workers forage for food for the colony. They can sting repeatedly, unlike bees which can only sting once.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Yellowjackets can be aggressive, especially when their nest is disturbed or food sources are threatened. Their sting is painful and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, ranging from mild local swelling to severe anaphylaxis. Benefits: They serve as important predators of many pest insects, helping to control populations of caterpillars and other garden pests. They also contribute to pollination to a lesser extent.

Identified on: 10/7/2025