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Quick answer: Yellowjackets are aggressive black-and-yellow wasps that nest in the ground, wall voids, and cavities, and can sting repeatedly to defend the nest. They become most aggressive and numerous in late summer and fall. Because disturbing a nest can trigger mass stinging, locating and treating the nest is best handled with proper protection and, for large or hidden nests, by a professional.
What do yellowjackets look like?
Yellowjackets are wasps with smooth, shiny black-and-yellow banded bodies, a narrow waist, and clear wings. Unlike fuzzy honey bees, they are sleek and fast, and their stinger is not barbed — so a single yellowjacket can sting repeatedly.
Signs of a yellowjacket nest
Watch for steady wasp traffic in and out of one spot — a hole in the ground, a gap in siding, a soffit, or a wall void. In late summer, scavenging workers appear around trash, sweet drinks, and food at outdoor gatherings.
Biology and behavior
Colonies start small in spring and grow through summer, reaching thousands of workers by fall. Late-season colonies are the most aggressive and most likely to defend the nest en masse when disturbed.
How to deal with yellowjackets
First locate the nest by observing flight paths in daylight (then treat during low-activity hours). Ground or exposed nests can sometimes be treated carefully with proper protective equipment. Wall-void, attic, and large nests are dangerous and are safest handled by a professional. Never seal a wall-void nest entrance without treating it — trapped wasps may chew into living space.
When to call a professional
Because yellowjackets sting in numbers and nests are often hidden in structures, professional removal is the safest option — especially for anyone with a sting allergy or a large or inaccessible nest.
A Brooklyn-based, NYSDEC-registered company (Reg. #15140) led by Jorge Bedoya, an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). For pests in your home or building, NYE provides IPM-based, low-exposure control matched to the exact pest and verified with a follow-up. ACE-led work comes with a client portal of service reports and photos, fully bilingual service, and no long-term contract.
Yellowjacket FAQ
How do I tell a yellowjacket from a bee?
Yellowjackets are wasps: smooth, shiny black-and-yellow bodies with a narrow waist, not the fuzzy, robust body of a honey bee. They fly quickly and can sting more than once.
Are yellowjackets dangerous?
Yes. They sting repeatedly to defend the nest, and stings can be serious for people with allergies. They are most aggressive in late summer and fall.
How do you get rid of a yellowjacket nest?
Locate the nest by watching flight paths, then treat it during low-activity hours with proper protection. Ground and exposed nests can sometimes be treated carefully, but wall-void and large nests are safest left to a professional.
Where do yellowjackets nest?
In underground burrows, wall voids, attics, and cavities in structures, as well as in shrubs. Nests grow through the season and can hold thousands of workers by fall.
Why are yellowjackets worse in late summer?
Colonies peak in size and shift to scavenging sweets and protein in late summer and fall, bringing them into contact with people at picnics, trash, and outdoor events.
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