These wasps are mostly reddish brown to black with yellow rings and reddish areas on abdomen. They look similar to hornets and Yellowjackets but have longer legs and thinner bodies. They are about 5/8 to one inch long. These wasps are among the most aggressive and will sting without provocation.
The nests are constructed by several females and are made of papery material that looks like an inverted umbrella. A single comb can have up to 250 wasps in individual cells. The adults collect
Yellowjackets
The yellow jacket is very aggressive. A disturbed nest is the usual cause for people getting stung. An individual is 5/8 to one inch long and is able to sting repeatedly. About 1/2 to one percent of people may be allergic to yellow jacket venom. They are identified by the alternating yellow and black or white and black markings on the abdomen. The nes is made of paper-ike material and can be quite large. It can be located in a tree but most often is in the ground. The wasps will feed on human food, especially sweets and meat.
Prevention on bee and wasp activity:
- Don’t use perfume.
- Don’t go barefoot in clover or flowering ground covers.
- Avoid brightly colored clothing.
- Stay calm if a bee or wasp checks you out; swatting makes them mad!
- Wear insect repellent
Control
Control will depend on sanitation procedures from early summer through mid-autumn. Keep trash containers tightly closed. Killing worker wasps around trash containers will help prevent a buildup of foraging wasp and bees.
