Yellowjackets in Cleveland
Yellowjackets, along with the European hornet, are the most infamous structure-infesting wasps found throughout the United States. These wasps benefit the ecosystem and live in colonies with thousands of members. Their threat level increases due to their tendency to nest near human structures, such as attics, cavities in landscape features, and structural voids. The adults will primarily eat sweet liquid materials and fruit juices, while the larvae are given small pieces of soft-bodied insects like flies and caterpillars.
Yellowjacket Habitat
Yellow jackets can be divided into aerial nesters and ground nesters (which often use old rodent burrows). The aerial (above-ground) nests are usually constructed in the foliage-rich branches of shrubs and trees, but can also be placed on structures. Their nests are also found on the sides of buildings, under eaves, in crawl spaces, attics, and wall voids. There is usually a hole at the bottom of the nest as the entrance. In the fall, they are extremely defensive when their nest is threatened; however, they are not aggressive scavengers during this part of the season. One way to locate their nests to eliminate them is by observing and following flight patterns.
Yellowjacket Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Yellowjackets are not known to be aggressive stingers unless they perceive their nest to be threatened. Contrary to bees that can only sting one time, the yellowjacket does not have a barbed stinger and can sting multiple times. An allergic reaction is possible with a yellowjacket sting, so seek medical attention if an allergy is suspected. Yellowjackets have been discovered to nest in wall voids, gnaw their way through drywall, and enter the living space of a structure. This could result in an alarming amount of yellowjackets suddenly appearing in a home. If you spot a yellowjacket nest, always contact a licensed wasp removal expert for help.
