Yellowjackets are medium-sized black and yellow wasps that are often confused with honeybees, paper wasps and mud-daubers.

Yellowjackets can be public health pests because they commonly nest and forage close to people. Because of their territorial behavior and affinity for human food, yellowjackets can restrict or prevent outdoor activities in areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and backyards. Unlike honeybees, yellowjackets do not leave a stinger behind, allowing them to be able to sting multiple times. Stings are painful and can be life-threatening in some cases.

Yellowjackets are social wasps living in colonies that can contain many hundreds of individuals. Colonies are established every year and abandoned completely as they die off in the fall. Queens overwinter and emerge in early spring to begin new colonies. Nests can be established in trees, the ground, or in other existing cavities such as abandoned rodent burrows, the wall spaces behind an exterior wall and the hollows of children’s play equipment. Nests are made of paper produced by chewing up wood pulp. Populations increase rapidly from spring through early fall. During this period of the year, yellowjackets will feed on insects, as well as scavenge for sweet and protein-rich foods.

• When dining outdoors, cover food and beverages to discourage yellowjackets.
• Keep garbage cans closed with tight-fitting lids, rinse bottles and cans before placing in covered recycling bins.
• AVOID the area and DO NOT DISTURB the nest.
• If You are Stung by a Yellowjacket:
  • Get away from the area.
  • If a stinger is visible, remove it immediately.
  • Apply cold water or ice in a wet cloth to the affected area.
  • If you are allergic to yellowjackets or experience dizziness, difficulty breathing, widespread swelling or other symptoms of concern, call 911 immediately.

Lure traps are available for purchase at many retail stores that sell pest control supplies. While lure traps don’t eliminate large populations, they can help reduce the number of localized foraging workers in specific areas like patios, picnic tables or dumpsters. Traps should be placed at the property line or about 200 feet away from the patio or area of to be protected, whichever is farther. Follow all instructions that come with the purchased trap.