Yellow jackets are often confused with other wasps or bees, leading to misunderstandings about their behavior and risks. This article clarifies the relationship between yellow jackets and the broader wasp category, providing practical information for distinguishing them.
The Relationship Between Yellow Jackets and Wasps
Yellow jackets are a specific type of wasp, belonging to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. This relationship is similar to how a poodle is a type of dog; all poodles are dogs, but not all dogs are poodles. Outside North America, yellow jackets are often simply called “wasps.”
Wasps are a diverse group of insects within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. Yellow jackets are social wasps, living in organized colonies with a queen and worker individuals.
Distinguishing Yellow Jackets from Other Wasps
Yellow jackets have distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other common wasps, such as paper wasps or mud daubers. They typically have a compact, stocky body shape, contrasting with the more slender bodies and thin waists of some other wasps. Their legs are often tucked close to their bodies during flight, giving them a streamlined appearance, unlike paper wasps whose legs dangle.
Their coloration is predominantly black and yellow, though some species display black and white or red markings. Unlike bees, yellow jackets have very little body hair, giving them a smooth, shiny appearance. A typical worker measures about 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 inches) in length, while queens are larger, around 19 mm (0.75 inches).
Yellow jacket nesting habits also provide differentiation. They construct nests from wood fibers chewed into a paper-like pulp. Their nests are fully enclosed by a paper envelope, with only a small entrance hole.
Many species build nests underground, often utilizing abandoned rodent burrows or other soil cavities. They can also establish nests in concealed spaces within man-made structures, such as wall voids, attics, or recycling bins. This contrasts with paper wasps, which build open, umbrella-shaped nests with visible cells, typically attached to eaves or branches.
Behavioral Differences and Why They Matter
Yellow jackets exhibit behavioral traits that distinguish them. Their diet shifts seasonally. In spring and early summer, they primarily seek protein sources, such as other insects, to feed their developing larvae. As late summer and fall approach, their dietary preferences change, and they increasingly seek sugary substances like ripe fruits, flower nectar, and human foods and beverages. This seasonal shift often draws them to outdoor gatherings, seeking sugary drinks and food.
Yellow jackets are known for their aggressive nature, particularly when their nest is disturbed or threatened. Unlike honey bees, which typically sting once and lose their stinger, yellow jackets can sting repeatedly because their stingers are not barbed. Their aggression escalates in late summer and fall as colonies reach peak populations, often containing thousands of individuals, and natural food sources become scarcer. They may also mark perceived aggressors, leading to pursuit.
Understanding these differences is important for personal safety and management. Knowing that yellow jackets are attracted to sweets in late summer helps prevent encounters by keeping food and drinks covered outdoors. Recognizing their nesting habits, such as hidden underground nests, aids in avoiding accidental disturbances. If a nest is near human activity, professional pest control is often recommended due to their defensive behavior and potential for multiple painful stings.