Yellowjackets in Georgia
Health RiskHigh
Damage RiskLow
NuisanceMedium
How to Identify Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are known for their bold black and yellow striped bodies, smooth appearance, and frequent activity around food sources and outdoor spaces.
- Actual Size 10 to 16 mm
- Characteristics Smooth-bodied wasps with bold black and yellow striping, a narrow waist, and a sleek, hairless appearance.
- Legs 6
- Antennae Yes
- Wings Yes
What Do Yellowjackets Do?
Yellowjackets are attracted to sweet foods and proteins and are often seen in yards, parks, and urban areas where they forage for food and scavenge around human activity.
- Social wasps that live in large colonies with a queen and many worker wasps.
- Can sting multiple times without dying, unlike honeybees.
- They are highly defensive of their nests and will swarm if they feel threatened.
- Their stings can be painful and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Where Do You Find Yellowjackets?
Yellowjackets are commonly found in both rural and urban environments where they forage for food and build nests in protected locations. Common places you’ll find yellowjackets include:
- Around outdoor trash cans and dumpsters
- Picnic areas and public parks
- Backyard patios and decks
- Near sugary drinks and outdoor food tables
- Inside wall voids and building cavities
- Underground nests in lawns or gardens
- Campgrounds and wooded recreation areas
- Around fallen fruit trees and compost piles
What Should I Do If I Have Yellowjackets in Georgia?
Often active around homes and outdoor spaces, and while not constantly aggressive, they can become dangerous if their nest is threatened. If you are dealing with yellowjacket activity, the following steps are recommended:
- Remain calm and slowly move away if yellowjackets begin to swarm or show defensive behavior.
- Keep food, sugary drinks, and pet food covered when outdoors to avoid attracting them.
- Seal trash cans tightly and clean up spills or food waste around outdoor dining areas.
- Keep children and pets away from areas where yellowjackets are frequently seen flying.
- Reduce attractants like fallen fruit, compost, and open soda containers in your yard.
- Contact a professional pest control service if you suspect a nest near your home or high-traffic area.
Top 5 FAQs About Yellowjackets in Georgia
Have questions about yellowjackets? Explore the FAQ section below, and if you have additional questions, contact us by phone or email for support.
Are yellowjackets dangerous?
They can be dangerous because they may sting multiple times and can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed.
Where do yellowjackets build nests?
They often build nests underground, in wall voids, under decks, in attics, or other protected, hidden spaces.
Why are yellowjackets attracted to people?
They are attracted to food, sugary drinks, and garbage, especially during outdoor activities like picnics or barbecues.
Can yellowjackets sting more than once?
Yes, yellowjackets can sting multiple times without dying, making them more aggressive in defense than bees.
When should I call pest control for yellowjackets?
You should contact professional pest control if you suspect a nest near your home or if activity becomes frequent in high-traffic areas.
