Yellow Jackets Wasp
Although yellow jackets can be dangerous to humans, having them around plants is good because they eat common garden pests. In the late summer, when adult colonies have grown to the thousands in anticipation of winter, these insects become a greater nuisance to people. There are four phases in a yellow jacket’s life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Appearance of yellow jackets
Yellow jackets are commonly recognised by the black and yellow bands across their abdomens, from which they acquire their popular name. Their primary form is that of a flying insect, and while they resemble bees, they are more obviously segmented and have a much smaller ‘waist.’ In addition to their typical yellow and black colouring, certain species may feature white or red markings.
While the yellow jacket, wasp, and hornet may all have a similar appearance and general traits, their aggressiveness and behaviour can vary greatly from species to species. Before taking any measures to eliminate stinging insects from your house or garden, you must determine which species you’re dealing with.
Places where yellow jackets live
Nearly 16 different species of yellow jackets call the United States home. They are annual insects, with only the queen surviving the winter to begin a new colony in the spring. The queen bee of a given species will select either a burrow in the ground or a tree to construct her nest. Nests are frequently seen in shrubs, trees, and under the eaves of buildings. Yellow jackets use a paper-like material formed from chewed cellulose to construct their nests.
Insects that are eaten by yellow jackets
Adult yellow jackets, like many other flying insects, consume nectar from flowers, fruit, and even the occasional open can of soda. Yellow jackets are unusual among insects since their larval stage feeds on protein. The larvae depend on the meat and insects the workers bring back to the nest. While yellow jackets may be seen as a nuisance by most people, they play a crucial role in controlling garden pests, thanks to their diet.
When they attack
Yellow jackets are fiercely territorial insects that are sluggish to sting when they attack. They can become rather hostile if their nest entrance is approached. Their venomous stings might be experienced repeatedly. Severe reactions can occur in those allergic to their venom, and it is possible to develop a heightened sensitivity to yellow jackets after being stung. If stung again, this extreme sensitivity could be problematic.