Eastern Yellowjacket

vespula maculifrons

Yellowjackets are social wasps whose common name originates from their typical black and yellow coloration.

Description:

Eastern yellowjackets (sometimes misidentified as 'ground hornets') are generally beneficial insects because they prey on many various species of pest arthropods. However, they sometimes build their nests in close proximity to occupied structures or outdoor recreational areas which create the potential for a dangerous encounter. Yellowjackets will mount an aggressive, organized defense of their colony when disturbed.

Biology and Behavior:

• Adults are about 3/8-5/8" long with queens being approximately 25% longer
• Abdomen is colored with yellow and black bands distinctive to each species
• Folds wings longitudinally towards abdomen when at rest
• Constructs a carton (paper) nest underground in either naturally occuring soil voids or old rodent burrows or mole tunnels
• Colonies can contain between 1000 to 4000 yellowjackets
• Yellowjackets do not possess barbed stingers like the honey bee so each is capable of delivering multiple painful stings
• Only inseminated queens hibernate and survive the winter
• Overwintering queens may enter a living space during the fall or winter months seeking warmth, or in ths spring when they are trying to get outdoors or locate a nesting site

Control Tips:

• Control should only be attempted by a properly-equipped, experienced professional
• Control is most successful when done at night as most of the foraging workers will have returned to the nest
• Once a nest site is discovered, avoid the area (especially keep pets and small children away as a large number of stings could be life threatening)
• 2-3 days after the nest has been thoroughly treated and all yellowjacket activity has ceased in the area, the nest should be dug up and removed to avoid attracting other pests

Action Pest Control Services

• TermaPest^®
• Stinging Insect Control service
• Commercial Pest Management Services
• Pest Proofing service