Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Vespidae

Yellowjackets get their common name from their appearance. They are typically black with a yellow-striped or banded pattern across the abdomen. Yellowjackets are found throughout the world with about 16 species occurring in the United States.

Description: Yellowjackets range in size from about 3/8-5/8 inch long. The queens are substantially larger, approximately 25% longer than a typical worker. Some species vary in color and should be looked at professionally to determine an accurate identification.

Biology: Yellowjackets are social insects, living in colonies or nests. Similar to other stinging insects, inseminated queens over-winter and in the spring they build a nest from chewed-up cellulose material. As the nest is constructed, one egg is laid in each cell. After about 30 days, the first brood of workers emerges. The nest continues to grow, and at its peak it can contain 1,000 to 4,000 workers.

Habits: Nesting can occur in either the ground or from an aerial position. The nest entrance is protected fiercely. If they feel threatened, Yellowjackets will become very aggressive inflicting multiple painful stings on the victim. Extreme caution should be taken when approaching any Yellowjacket nest, especially in late summer.