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Vespula
spp.
Yellow
Jacket
Characteristics ÿý
Size: About 3/4-to 1-inch in length.
Color: Generally small wasps with black and yellow
stripes.
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Behavior ÿý
Yellow jackets are social insects that live in colonies containing
thousands of individuals. Colonies are usually started by a single
queen in the early spring, and are very small for the first couple
of months. By midsummer, a colony located on or near a house is
usually large enough to become a nuisance. These wasps will
aggressively attack when their nest is disturbed, and can inflict
painful stings. Unlike the honeybee, which stings only one time and
then dies, a single yellow jacket can sting many times. Yellow
jackets are scavengers and can be beneficial when located in a
wooded area or a field. Colonies located in or near a home, however,
can pose a threat to the persons living in the house. When this
situation is discovered, the colony or colonies should be
eliminated. Because of the danger involved in treating these nests,
only a professional such as Patrick's Pest Control should attempt to
treat them. Should a colony be discovered, contact Patrick's for
professional for assistance.
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