How to Identify the Yellowjacket

The term "yellowjacket" describes a number of different stinging insects that are also called wasps. These flying insects are found in colonies, or nests, and can be a real nuisance to any homeowner. They are often mistakenly referred to as bees, when in fact they are not. Identifying the yellowjacket is actually very important, because a portion of the human population is deathly allergic to its sting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Observe the diminutive size of the insect. While not particularly large at only about 1 inch, the yellowjacket makes up for it in aggression and numbers. It is always accompanied by other yellowjackets, and they are fiercely protective of their colony.

2. Notice that the yellowjacket has a small head in relation to other species like hornets and bees. The yellowjacket does, however, have strong working parts in its mouth to chew up other insects and forage for food. It also has a proboscis to suck out honey and nectar from various sources.

3. Watch the spastic, side-to-side flying motion of the yellowjacket just before it lands. The yellowjacket is lightning-quick as it moves through the air, and it will often appear as though the wasp is drunk. Bees, in contrast, fly in a more direct fashion.

4. Observe the habitat of the yellowjacket. It has a huge nest that includes a queen. This nest is called a colony. Like bees, yellowjackets have workers that go out and forage for food to stabilize the colony. The nest can grow to the size of a basketball if it survives the winter season.

5. Look at the intricate patterns of the yellowjacket. It has a black-and-yellow striped abdomen that is clearly marked throughout. The yellowjacket also has a very defined waist. This is one of the features that separates the wasp or yellowjacket from bees. Bees are usually more uniform in size throughout their length.

6. Observe the lack of hair on the yellowjacket's legs, in comparison to the honey bee. Honey bees have hairy back legs that help them stick to pollen, while wasps have none. This is another clear difference between yellowjackets and bees.

Tips & Warnings

• Only attempt to eliminate yellowjackets at night, as they are quite active and aggressive during the day. Swatting at a yellowjacket is a good way to get stung. Just walk away, or run if many are attacking.
• Never approach a yellowjacket nest under any circumstances. If you are stung by a yellowjacket, get medical help immediately, as many people are very allergic to the venom.