Yellow jackets, a common type of social wasp, are frequently encountered in various environments. Yellow jackets do build their homes underground. This subterranean nesting behavior is a distinctive characteristic for many species, differentiating them from other wasps that might build aerial nests.
Understanding Yellow Jacket Ground Nests
Yellow jackets often choose underground sites for their nests, which provides a degree of protection from predators and environmental elements. They typically establish these nests by utilizing existing cavities, such as abandoned rodent burrows, hollow logs, or tree stumps. As the colony grows, the yellow jackets expand these initial spaces. Nests are constructed from a paper-like material, created by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva. This pulp dries into a sturdy, papery structure.
Inside these underground nests, multiple horizontal tiers of combs are built. These hexagonal cells store food and house developing larvae. The nest’s internal organization ensures efficient care for the young. Nests can become quite large, housing thousands of yellow jackets by the end of the season.
Identifying a Ground Nest
Identifying a yellow jacket ground nest typically involves observing specific behaviors and visual cues around an entrance. The most common sign is a steady stream of yellow jackets flying in and out of a single, small opening in the ground. This opening is often inconspicuous, sometimes no larger than a nickel, making the nest difficult to spot until activity is high. Small piles of dirt or stones around the burrow’s entrance are remnants of their excavation.
The wasps often follow a consistent flight path when entering and exiting the nest. Observing this continuous movement from a safe distance can help confirm the presence of a nest. In dense vegetation, the entrance might be less visible, requiring careful observation of the insects’ direct flight lines. A large number of yellow jackets flying to and from a specific spot in the ground indicates a subterranean colony.
Encountering a Ground Nest
If a yellow jacket ground nest is discovered, maintaining a safe distance is important. Yellow jackets are known to be aggressive, especially when their nest is threatened or disturbed. Vibrations from activities like mowing or walking nearby, or direct disturbance like blocking the entrance or mowing over it, can provoke a defensive swarm.
Attempting to remove or treat a yellow jacket nest without professional assistance is not recommended due to the potential for multiple stings. Unlike honeybees, yellow jackets can sting repeatedly. If the nest is located in an area of human activity and its removal is necessary, contacting a pest control professional is advised. These experts have the necessary equipment and experience to manage the situation safely.