What Are the Differences Between Wasps, Yellowjackets, and Hornets

Stinging insects like wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets can be a nuisance because they often build their nests near dwellings and can be very aggressive when threatened. Their bites and stings are painful and can be life-threatening to people allergic to the venom. By learning how to distinguish between these pests and how to recognize their nests, you can protect yourself from being attacked. Types of Wasps There are two kinds of flying insects commonly referred to as wasps: social and solitary. Social wasps — such as the paper wasp, hornet, and yellowjacket — live in large colonies with one queen. Common traits include narrow wings that fold longitudinally when at rest, larvae reared on dead or living insect prey, nests constructed of recycled wood fibers, and the ability to sting and bite repeatedly. Paper wasps are about 1 inch long and have long legs. Their bodies range in color from reddish-orange to black in color, often with yellow highlights.  Paper wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests, often found suspended from eaves or window casings on dwellings. Colonies number fewer than 100 wasps. European hornets average 1.5 inches in length with  brown bodies and yellow-orange stripes. They are less common than the bald-faced hornet, which is about 3/4 of an inch long with a  black body and  gray bands. Hornets are famous for their massive, enclosed nests which can be seen hanging from tree branches or other sturdy perches. Hornet colonies usually contain more than 100 wasps. Yellowjackets are the smallest of the bunch, averaging about a half-inch in length, with yellow markings that people often confuse for honeybees.  Yellowjackets also make enclosed nests, but theirs are found below ground and may be home to hundreds of insects. Paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets produce new colonies each year in temperate climates. Only the mated queens survive the cold winter months, tucked away in sheltered places. The queen emerges in spring, chooses a nest site, and builds a small nest in which she lays the first eggs. Once the first generation of workers matures, these wasps will expand the nest for succeeding generations. In late summer or fall, the old queen dies and a new one mates before her siblings die off. The old nest usually degrades over the winter. Mud daubers and digging wasps  are called solitary wasps because each egg-laying queen builds and occupies her own nest. Solitary wasps arent aggressive and will rarely attack and sting, even if their nests are disturbed. Their venom isnt toxic to humans.   Mud daubers  are about 1 inch in length with a black or blue-black body and a long, slender waist.Digging wasps, sometimes called cicada killers, are about 1.5 inches long with black bodies and yellow highlights. Differences Between Yellow Jackets and Wasps In general,  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹wasps can be distinguished from bees  by their lack of body hair and thinner, elongated bodies. They have six legs, two sets of wings, and segmented bodies. Avoiding Stings All social wasps are aggressive by nature and will attack if you disturb their nests. During the late summer, when colonies are at peak activity, these flying insects are especially aggressive and may pursue you if you come too close to their nests. This can be a real problem with yellowjackets, whose underground nests are almost impossible to detect by casual observation. Yellowjackets are a particular problem around picnics, cookouts, and fruit trees because theyre attracted to sugar. Swat at that insect sipping your soda and you risk getting stung. Yellowjackets feasting on fruit thats fallen from a tree can become drunk on the fermenting sugars, making them especially aggressive. They wont just bite and sting, they will pursue you if threatened. If youre stung, wash the area with soap and water to remove as much venom as you can. Cold compresses can relieve swelling, especially for multiple stings or bites. But youll still be left with nasty red welts that are itchy and uncomfortable. Pest Control Experts say any name-brand insecticide spray designed to kill wasps or hornets or a soil-based treatment for yellowjackets should be sufficient.  Paper wasp nests are the easiest to destroy yourself because they tend to be fairly small, but hornet nests can be very large and should be removed by a professional. Yellowjacket nests can also be hard to destroy because theyre underground.   If you do choose to do the job yourself, wear long sleeves and pants made of heavy fabric to protect yourself from stings and bites. Follow the directions on the insecticide container and maintain a safe distance from the nest of 15 to 20 feet. And apply the pesticides at night, when the insects are less likely to be active. Wait a day before removing the nest to be sure no living insects remain.   A Note of Caution Do not attempt to destroy or remove any nest if you are allergic to wasp, yellowjacket, or hornet stings. Likewise, if the nests are more than a few inches in size, its best to call a professional to have the infestation removed. Sources Cartwright, Megan. Socal Stingers. Slate, August 10, 2015. Potter, Michael F. Controlling Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Hornets. Utah Pest Press, IPM Fact Sheet #14, Utah State University Cooperative Extension, September 2013.