Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp that are found throughout much of North America. They are known for their distinctive black and yellow markings, which serve as a warning to potential predators. Yellow jackets are closely related to other social wasps such as hornets and paper wasps, and they share many of the same characteristics and behaviors. Today, we at Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control would like to share some basics concerning yellow jackets.
How Do I Identify a Yellow Jacket?
Yellow jackets are typically between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch in length, and they have a slender waist and narrow wings. They are most active in the summer and early fall, when they are busy building nests and foraging for food. Yellow jackets are omnivorous, meaning that they will eat both plant and animal material. They are known to feed on a variety of insects, as well as fruit, nectar, and other sugary substances.
Are Yellow Jacket Wasps Social?
One of the defining characteristics of yellow jackets is their social structure. Yellow jackets live in large colonies that can contain hundreds or even thousands of individual wasps. The colony is headed by a queen, who is responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the overall structure of the nest. The queen is supported by a group of female workers, who perform a variety of tasks such as caring for the young, gathering food, and defending the nest.
Why are Yellow Jackets So Aggressive?
Yellow jackets are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly when their nest is disturbed. They have a painful sting that can be dangerous to people who are allergic or sensitive to insect venom. If you encounter a yellow jacket nest, it is important to exercise caution and avoid provoking the wasps. It is also important to properly dispose of food waste and avoid leaving sugary substances exposed, as this can attract yellow jackets to your property.
How Do You Find a Yellow Jacket Nest?
Yellow jackets build their nests in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and underground burrows. The nest is made from a paper-like material that is produced by the wasps themselves. The nest can be quite large, and it may contain multiple layers and compartments. As the colony grows, the nest may expand to accommodate the increasing number of wasps. In the fall, the colony begins to produce new queens and males. These individuals will mate and then leave the nest to start their own colonies. The remaining workers and the old queen will die off as the temperature drops and winter sets in.
Stinging Insects in Lansing, Michigan
Basically, yellow jackets are a type of social wasp that are known for their distinctive black and yellow markings, aggressive behavior, and painful sting. They live in large colonies headed by a queen, and they build their nests in a variety of locations. Yellow jackets are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plant and animal material. If you encounter a yellow jacket nest, it is important to exercise caution and avoid provoking the wasps. If you suspect yellow jackets on your South East Michigan property, call Knock ‘Em Out Pest Control and let us help you.
