Origin: There are numerous species throughout North America. Many have been introduced from Europe.

Biology: Yellowjackets are social insects. The Queen begins the colony while female workers build the nest, care for the young, forage for food and defend the nest. The colony will start in the spring and die off in the winter. The colony will enter the thousands near the end of the summer, at which time, males are produced in order to mate with new queens. Once they mate, the new queen will over-winter in a protected area. They feed on sweet liquids like fruit juices, nectar and even soda pop. The larvae feed on meat or other bits and pieces from dead animals. Also, human food is another attractant for the worker. The workers are able to sting over and over. They defend their colony from anyone or anything considered to be an intruder. Yellowjackets may nest in above ground locations such as trees, wall voids, attics and in the ground.

Identification: Their colors are yellow and black. They have two pairs of wings.

Control Measures: You must get rid of any materials that may attract yellowjackets. Such materials would include spilled food materials or spoiled fruit in your garden. If they are nesting inside your structure, then your must dust the opening to the nest or the entry point into the structure where the workers are coming and going.

Image Citation:
Jerry A. Payne, USDA Agricultural Research Service, www.forestryimages.org