Western Yellow Jacket

There are 17 species of yellow jackets in North America. The kind that most people will come into contact with is the Western Yellow Jacket, found throughout the United States, Canada and south into Mexico. Adult workers are about 3/8" to 5/8" in length. The abdomen is usually banded with yellow and black. The legs are not seen when in flight.

Although Yellow Jackets are known as a summer pest with a painful sting, they are also quite beneficial. Yellow Jackets are pollinators and feed on soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, flies and beetle grubs that can be harmful. Since they are attracted to colors and scents like honeybees, it’s wise not to wear colorful clothing or perfume when outdoors on a summer day.

Yellow Jackets are social creatures, living in colonies with workers, males and a queen. The queen emerges between the later days of February and early days of April, to find a suitable location for a small paper nest in which she can lay her eggs. After the eggs hatch the queen feeds the larvae for approximately 18 - 20 days, until they emerge as small infertile females (workers). Nests can usually be found in the ground or attached to tree branches, shrubs or under eaves and porches of homes. Queens will never choose an old nest to re-inhabit.

Paper Wasp

Paper Wasps There are 22 different species of wasps in North America and approximately 700 - 1100 worldwide. The Western Paper wasp is the most common to the Northwest. They share a similar color combination and life cycle with the yellow jacket but differ in body shape and character.

The paper wasp is about 2 cm long, with dangling legs. Their nests are a grey papery material and shaped like an upside-down umbrella (giving them the nickname “Umbrella Wasp”). Unlike yellow jackets and hornets, paper wasps are much less aggressive. They will only attack if they themselves or their nest feel threatened. Wasps are, for the most part, beneficial insects. They feed on nectar, caterpillars, flies, beetle larvae and are considered highly beneficial by gardeners who appreciate they’re ability to pollinate.

However beneficial, wasps can quickly become a nuisance to urban society. They pack a powerful, painful sting that can cause severe allergic reaction and even death in some human victims.

Bald-Faced Hornet

Their black and white coloring paired with their large size, gives the Bald-Faced Hornet it's name. The bald-faced hornet is not a true hornet. It is actually part of the yellow jacket & wasp family. They are found throughout North America and known to be extremely aggressive, stinging repeatedly if disturbed.

Adult workers range from 5/8 - 3/4" long and queens measure 3/4" or longer. They are known for they're large oval, paper nests, reaching sizes of up to 14" in diameter and over 24" in length. Nests are usually found in vegetation, varying from shrubs and ground level vines to tree branches up to 66ft high. Like the yellow jacket, the bald-faced hornet queen will not reuse an old nest. Every year the queens start a new colony and raise theie young, growing they're nest through spring, summer and into fall.

Why be concerned?

Yellow Jackets, wasps and hornet species deliver a painful sting. They build their nests under eaves, underground, in attics, wall voids, and trees, and may swarm and attack if the nest is threatened. Some people are highly allergic but don't know it until they are stung. Just recently there have been reports of abnormally strong allergic reactions to yellow jacket stings in Pierce County, Washington.

What You Can Do

Place yellow jacket traps out in early spring (end of March through April). Many wasps captured during this time will be queens, preventing nests from becoming established. Later in the year traps can be placed along fences to capture foraging workers. Tightly close garbage cans and pick up downed fruit-both are strong attractants.

What We Would Do

Locating and treating wasp nests can be a delicate operation. There is a variety of equipment to safely eliminate the nest, and your technician will work with you to formulate the best approach for your situation. Specialized training enables Eden to treat nests any time of day.

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