Stinging Wasps : Yellowjackets
categories: Natural Enemies Stinging Wasps
last review date: 2025-08-23 06:29
Photo by: R.D. Akre
Biology
Yellowjackets are aggressive especially in late summer and fall, do more harm than good and should not be encouraged.
The nests of yellowjackets are located below ground or behind walls and may contain hundreds of wasps.
The presence of a nest in garden is a clear and present threat to people and pets, for which professional help and removal should be sought.
The foraging activities of yellowjackets are dominated by scavenging rather than predation, thus their potential danger in back yards outranks any pest control benefits.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Caterpillars, spiders, mantids, beetles
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
Additional Images
Photo by: D.G. James
Photo by: K. Gray
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.