What do they look like?
- Bright yellow and black body
- They have a small waist and thin legs
- Their wings are as long as their body.
Yellow Jacket Fun Facts:
- They are much more aggressive then other stinging insects.
- Yellow Jackets can sting more than once.
- They are very helpful in ridding gardens and yards of other destructive insects.
What do they eat?
As carnivores, yellow jackets eat protein from other insects and also feed it to their young. As the summer season progresses they begin to look for more sugary sustenance.
What kind of colony do they build?
They are social and build colonies, often underground. Like many other flying, stinging insects, yellow jackets feed on protein and take it back to their nest to their larvae. By the end of the summer season the colony could consist of thousands of yellow jackets all ready and waiting to defend the nest.
They also build nests inside old buildings, attics, and in trees. If you see a nest, it is best to make sure all the yellow jackets have been killed before removing the nest. A professional would be able to safely and efficiently remove the nest for you.
How do I know if I have an infestation?
Yellow Jackets build their nests in animal burrows and can be seen swarming in the grass. If you see this happening, maintain a distance as they will chase down anything seen as a predator. Sounds and vibration from above ground can trigger an attack.
