Yellow jackets live socially in large colonies, where the nests offer shelter for thousands of members. Drones are males, and do not have a stinger, however, the females do and will sting repeatedly. While bees rely on a diet of nectar or pollen, most wasps feed on insects. A North American predatory insect that builds a large nest to house the colony, yellow jackets are bee sized wasps that are black with yellow markings on the front of the head and yellow banding around the abdomen and they have dark eyes with a face primarily yellow. When at rested the front wings are folded lengthwise. Rather conspicuous, the antennae are fairly large. These wasps are sometimes mistaken for bees because of the size, shape and coloration. Closely resembling the hornets, yellow jackets have a much bigger head. Animal Pest Management, Inc would like to take the opportunity to relate some basics concerning yellow jacket wasps.
What Do Yellow Jackets Eat?
More often than not, the attraction they have for meat, fruit and sweet drinks will ruin summer picnics at the park and BBQs in the yard. Though yellow jackets are found around the world, they are highly concentrated in the southeastern United States. Primarily feeding on other insects like flies and bees, yellow jackets are carnivorous. As mentioned, they will include fruits, carrion, as well as the nectar of flowers in their diet. Within a mile of their nests is their hunting ground for foraging.
Yellow Jacket Social Colony – Queen, Drones & Workers
As mentioned, yellow jackets live in large colonies as social insects. With each having specific tasks to support the colony, the queen, drones and workers are all work together. The queen, lays hundreds of eggs, the male drones are ready to fertilize a receptive queen, and the workers operate and maintain the nest with a variety of tasks.
Yellow Jacket Stings
As a prime objective, the yellow jacket wasps protect the nest and will aggressively attack anyone who is within a few feet on approach. They will then inject a venomous fluid under the skin of the victim. As a very painful sting, their stingers are smooth, allowing them to easily deliver repeated stings.
Yellow Jacket Nest in Wall & Ground etc
The yellow jacket queen collects wood fiber to make her nest in the spring. Made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, the nest is constructed of paper-like material by a single queen, called the foundress. Multiple layers of paper cells that look like the honeybee’s comb is contained in the nest. However, some species such as German Yellow Jackets for example, will build the nest in old burrows underground. There nests can be huge, but bird frequently destroy the nests looking for food.
Stinging Insect Inspections, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Because yellow jacket wasps are fairly dangerous as they deliver multiple and painful stings, their venom can cause raging allergic reactions. To ensure their nest is properly removed from the property, you need Animal Pest Management to get it done safely and efficiently. Our certified experts are trained and experienced to eliminate yellow jackets and remove the threat as quickly as possible. Call us today to get started with quality wasps control services.
