Yellowjacket

Natural Habitat

Nests are typically found in the ground, in trees or shrubs, or in man-made structures such as wall voids and attics.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on sugar-rich foods like nectar and fruit, while larvae are fed protein sources like other insects, spiders, and scavenged meat.

Behavior Patterns

Yellowjackets are social insects that live in large colonies with a queen and workers. They are more aggressive than bees and can be very protective of their nests, especially in late summer and fall.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: They are important predators of agricultural pests like caterpillars and flies. Risks: They can deliver painful stings, and unlike honeybees, they can sting multiple times. Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in some people.

Identified on: 2/23/2026