Yellowjacket (likely common or eastern yellowjacket)

Natural Habitat

Yellowjackets are common in a variety of habitats, including forests, urban areas, gardens, and agricultural lands. They prefer areas with readily available food sources and suitable nesting sites, such as underground burrows, tree cavities, or sheltered spots in man-made structures.

Diet & Feeding

Adult yellowjackets feed on nectar, fruit, and other sugary substances. They are also predatory, hunting various insects, spiders, and even carrion to feed their larvae, which require protein.

Behavior Patterns

Yellowjackets are social insects living in colonies that can number in the thousands. They build nests from chewed wood fibers, often underground, in shrubs, or in cavities within structures. Workers forage for food, care for the larvae, and expand the nest. They are known for their aggressive defense of the nest if disturbed. Only fertilized queens survive the winter to start new colonies in the spring.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Yellowjackets can be aggressive, especially if their nest is disturbed, and their stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. They can also be a nuisance at outdoor gatherings where food is present. Benefits: They play a role in pest control by preying on various insects, including some agricultural pests. They can also aid in pollination by visiting flowers for nectar.

Identified on: 8/16/2025