Yellowjacket or yellow jacket is the common name in North America for predatory social wasps of the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. Members of these genera are known simply as "wasps" in other English-speaking countries.

Yellowjacket wasps are black-and-yellow wasps of the genus Vespula or Dolichovespula (though some can be black-and-white, the most notable of these being the bald-faced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata).

May 17, 2023 · Yellowjackets are exceptionally troublesome wasps. They can become highly aggressive, especially when the available food is getting low later in the season when their colonies are getting larger.

Mar 19, 2025 · yellow jacket, any of 35–40 species (genus Dolichovespula or Vespula) of social wasps, principally of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite the common name yellow jacket —which is used in reference to the typical coloration of the abdomen, with yellow and black markings—some species are white and black, and others are marked with red.

The 'yellow jacket' refers to the striking black and yellow markings all over the body of Vespula wasps. Their small size relative to other common wasps is also a quick identifier of yellowjackets. Worker females and males are a half inch in length with a black body and bright yellow markings on the head, thorax, abdomen and legs.

Oct 13, 2023 · Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp that can often be found buzzing around your backyard. Known for their distinctive yellow and black stripes, they play an important role in controlling insect populations.

Apr 21, 2022 · There are three common types of yellow jacket wasps: What Does a Yellow Jacket Look Like? The yellow jacket is a bee-sized, black insect with distinct yellow markings on the head...

Are Yellow Jackets Bees or Wasps? Yellow jackets are a social wasp species. They nest in the ground or in cavernous areas like eaves and attics. They feed on sweets and proteins and are known to invade outdoor human activities. Do Yellow Jackets Build Nests in the Ground? Many species of yellow jackets construct nests both above and below ground.

Discover expert tips on identifying yellow jacket wasp, understanding their behavior, and controlling infestations to safeguard your property.

Jan 17, 2025 · Yellow jackets are a type of social wasp, known for their bright yellow and black markings. They belong to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. Common species of wasp in the South include the eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons). Although often confused with the European paper wasp (Polistes dominula), yellow jackets behave differently.