Ground Wasps vs. Yellow Jackets: What’s Bugging Your Yard?
As a homeowner in Charlotte, it's essential to recognize the different types of wasps that might make an appearance around your home. Among the most common types of wasps are ground wasps and yellow jackets. While they may look similar, their behavior, nesting habits, and how you should deal with them are quite different. This guide will help you identify the key differences between ground wasps and yellow jackets so you can take the right action when it comes to managing these insects.
Physical Appearance
What Do Ground Wasps Look Like?
Ground wasps tend to be less aggressive than yellow jackets, but they can still cause concern if disturbed. These wasps can vary in color, but many species are brownish or black with yellow markings. Their bodies are typically slender and elongated.
- Size: Ground wasps are usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in length.
- Features: Their wings are often translucent, and their antennae are long.
Their coloration varies by species:
- Cicada Killers: Black and yellow-striped abdomens with a reddish-brown thorax (shown above).
- Great Golden Digger Wasps: Rust-colored thorax, black abdomen with yellow bands, and golden hairs.
- Eastern Sand Wasps: Black and white striped abdomens with a black thorax.
What Do Yellow Jackets Look Like?
Yellow jackets are known for their striking appearance and their aggressive nature. They are typically yellow and black, making them easy to identify.
- Size: Yellow jackets are typically about 0.5 to 1 inch long.
- Color: Bright yellow and black with a smooth, shiny body.
- Features: Their wings are small relative to their body size and are clear with a slight tinge.
Nesting Habits
Where Do Ground Wasps Nest?
As the name suggests, ground wasps typically build their nests underground. They often choose secluded, soft soil areas like lawns, gardens, or the edges of wooded areas.
- Nest Location: Look for small, circular holes in the ground where ground wasps enter and exit. These nests are generally visible only when the wasps are active.
- Behavior: Ground wasps tend to be less aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. If you step too close to their burrow, they may become defensive.
- Population: Ground wasp colonies are usually smaller than yellow jacket colonies.
Where Do Yellow Jackets Nest?
Yellow jackets are more likely to build their nests above ground in protected areas such as attics, under eaves, or inside wall voids. They can also nest in burrows or hollow trees.
- Nest Location: Look for a paper-like nest, which can be gray or light brown, often hanging from trees or tucked under ledges.
- Behavior: Yellow jackets are very territorial and will aggressively defend their nests if they feel threatened. They can be a risk to people, especially if they are disturbed during the late summer or fall when their nests are most active.
- Population: Yellow jackets have much larger colonies, sometimes numbering in the thousands, which can increase the threat level.
Behavior and Aggression
Are Ground Wasps Dangerous?
- Aggression Level: Ground wasps are typically more docile than yellow jackets. They may sting if provoked, but they usually only attack when they feel their nest is threatened.
- Activity Time: Ground wasps are generally more active during the day, and their nests are most often noticed during warmer months, from spring to fall.
- Warning Signs: If you see ground wasps flying near a specific spot on your lawn or garden, it could indicate a nest below ground. They tend to be more active around midday.
Are Yellow Jackets Dangerous?
- Aggression Level: Yellow jackets are much more aggressive, particularly in late summer and fall when their colony is larger and their food supply is dwindling. They are known to sting multiple times, and unlike honeybees, they do not lose their stingers.
- Activity Time: Yellow jackets can be active throughout the day, particularly during the warmer months, and are attracted to sugary foods and proteins.
- Warning Signs: If you notice a large group of wasps flying in and out of a hole in the ground or a small opening in a structure, it’s a yellow jacket nest. They are highly defensive and can swarm in large numbers if disturbed.
How to Deal with Them
How to Get Rid of Ground Wasps
- Prevention: If you notice a ground wasp nest forming, avoid disturbing the area. Mark the spot so you can avoid it, especially if you have children or pets.
- Handling: If you must remove a nest, it’s best to call a professional pest control service, especially in early spring or fall when the colony is most active. Use caution, as the wasps will defend their nest if provoked.
- DIY Tips: If you feel confident, you can treat the nest at night when the wasps are less active. Be sure to wear protective clothing and use a pesticide labeled for ground wasp control.
Learn how to get rid of ground wasps safely.
How to Get Rid of Yellow Jackets
- Prevention: Yellow jackets are attracted to food sources like sugary drinks, meats, or trash. Make sure to clean up food scraps from outdoor areas.
- Handling: Do not approach a yellow jacket nest unless you are trained to do so. Their aggressive nature makes them a risk to people and pets.
- DIY Tips: If you spot a yellow jacket nest in a safe location, you may be able to use a pesticide designed for yellow jackets. Apply it during the evening when the wasps are inside the nest. Again, it’s often safer to consult a professional pest control expert.
Essential Considerations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the warm climate supports both ground wasps and yellow jackets. Both species can cause problems for homeowners, particularly in late summer and fall when wasp activity peaks. Be vigilant during these months and take steps to prevent nesting on your property by keeping your yard clear of food scraps and trash.
If you’re unsure whether you have ground wasps or yellow jackets, or if you’ve discovered a nest and are concerned about safety, don't hesitate to contact your local stinging insect control experts at Tailor Made for a safe and effective removal solution.