
Yellow Jacket Wasps
LEARN MORE ABOUT YELLOW JACKETS
Learn about yellow jacket wasps, their biology, and effective control options in New England.
Expert Solutions
Our team at Pest Assassins is ready to provide fast and effective solutions for yellow jacket wasp problems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of stinging insects are common in New England?In New England, the most common stinging insects include yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps. Each species has its own behavior and nesting habits, which can affect how we approach control and prevention.
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What are yellow jacket wasps?
Yellow jackets are the most common WASP found in the eastern United States; they’re not actually bees. Easily identified by their bright yellow and black stripes on their abdomen, yellow jackets are prolific hunters and nest builders. Sometimes yellow jackets are confused with Hornets because of their colors but Hornets have much larger heads and most hornets in our area are black and white striped (bald-faced hornet) or yellow and red/brown (European hornet) These wasps do not pollinate but benefit the ecosystem by controlling smaller insect populations that damage crops and food items.
Only the queen can survive the winter, living off of fat stores she built up during the summer and nesting in tree hollows, spaces in the ground, etc. Queens emerge in early spring (sometimes by accident on a warm winter day) and search for a place to build a nest. Nesting sites might be at the top of a roof peak, behind window shutters, under a pool deck, etc (typically this is the German Yellow jacket) and even underground nests (typically the Eastern Yellow jacket).
Once the first group of eggs hatch, the queen will retire from nest building and only focus on egg laying. Populations can reach 3,000-5,000 by mid to late summer and nest size can easily triple within 2 weeks of ideal weather. All female yellow jackets can sting (repeatedly), often “marking” a person with a pheromone or chemical that will attract more yellow jackets to attack.
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Are yellow jackets dangerous?Yes, yellow jackets can be aggressive, especially when their nest is disturbed. Their stings can be painful and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
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Why are stinging pests considered hazardous?Stinging pests, such as wasps and bees, can pose serious health risks. Their stings can cause allergic reactions, ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis. Additionally, these pests can become aggressive when their nests are disturbed, increasing the risk of multiple stings.
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How does Pest Assassins handle stinging insect control?Our team uses advanced techniques and products to safely eliminate stinging insects. We assess the situation, provide a customized plan, and ensure your property is protected.
