The Differences Between Yellow Jackets and Wasps

Stinging pests are not welcome on your property – whether they are bees, hornets, yellow jackets, or wasps. They can destroy your home and put you and your family in danger. One common issue with stinging pests is that most people find it hard to differentiate them, especially yellow jackets and wasps. So, what is the difference between yellow jackets and wasps?

Why you should care about their differences

It’s important to correctly identify the pests bothering your property. If you know what they are, you can research online and find out more about them – such as their behaviors and habits. Knowing these things is key to effectively get rid of the pests and protect your family from potential risks.

For example, do you know that yellow jackets are more aggressive than other stinging pests? That’s crucial information that you ought to know. It gives you a sense of urgency to get rid of them as quickly as you can.

Yellow jackets

Yellow jackets are a kind of wasp

“Yellow jackets” are actually just a common name for particular wasp species, specifically those from the Vespula and Dolichovespula genera. But why is there a need to single out yellow jackets among all wasp species? This is because they are different in terms of aggression, nesting habits, and disruptiveness on your property.

Yellow jackets are aggressive

Yellow jackets are some of the most aggressive among all stinging pests. This should concern you because their stings are not just painful. They can also be life-threatening. Victims can experience dangerous symptoms like difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, and vomiting. If these symptoms occur, give them medical attention immediately.

Yellow jackets often nest underground

Yellow jackets often nest in lower places, such as decks, porches, and the undersides of sheds. Some species even nest underground. But there are also species that could nest in cracks, gaps, and holes across your property. The good news is that these low-placed nests are vulnerable to pest control. There are even DIY methods that simply involve pouring soapy water into their underground nest.

Yellow jackets are more disruptive on your property

Some wasp species could be docile. There may even be instances where you don’t even know you have wasps on or near your property unless they already have fully developed nests. But yellow jackets surely like their presence known. They are very disruptive not just because of their aggressive behavior, but also because of their food choices. They like sugary foods, which they may find in garbage cans and even outdoor picnics. You can use this to your advantage too. You can bait yellow jackets into a sugary trap.

Wasps

There are many kinds of wasps

There are many wasp species, and yellow jackets are just some of them. One of the most common among them is called the paper wasp. They have slender builds. They particularly have very thin waists, prominently segmenting their bodies. These features are the opposite of that of yellow jackets, which have stockier builds.

Wasps are generally docile

Paper wasps will generally leave people alone. You will often just see them on flowers and fruits, feeding and pollinating. They are not as effective in pollination compared to bees, but at least they help. However, you should not view paper wasps as loving creatures. They can be very aggressive too, especially when they feel they are threatened. And they can sting you multiple times, unlike their bee cousins.

Wasps often nest in man-made structures

Paper wasps tend to nest in higher places, such as chimneys, overhangs, and roofs. You may also see them in higher natural structures, like tree branches. If you see a nest with a paper-like texture, it’s probably a paper wasp nest. In fact, paper wasps get their name because of the paper-like texture of their nests, which they make with chewed wood or clay.

Wasps are less disruptive on your property

Because paper wasps often nest in higher places and are generally docile, you may find them less disruptive than yellow jackets. But this doesn’t mean you should let them be, especially if they are directly on your property. They can still lead to health risks and property damages. Luckily, wasps in general are not indestructible. There are a lot of ways to avoid and get rid of these stinging pests.

How to avoid stinging pests

Make food inaccessible

Wasps thrive on areas where they can easily have access to food. If they don’t have easy access to resources in your area, they may find other places attractive. Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed, your food items contained and refrigerated, and your lawn, garden, and yard maintained.

Keep your trash cans closed

Some of the most overlooked food sources are trash cans. If your trash cans are overflowing or have their lids up, they are easily accessible. They may attract wasps that can potentially build nests near or on your property. Practice proper waste management to avoid such problems.

Seal all cracks and holes

Wasps can thrive in all kinds of voids on your property, such as cracks, gaps, and holes. Give particular attention to your walls, especially those that are easily accessible from the outside. To avoid such problems, it’s best to seal all these voids. If you just got rid of a wasp nest in these voids, make sure to clean them out properly before sealing them.

Call a pest control professional

There are a lot of DIY ways to get rid of wasps. You can bomb their nests with insecticides, pour soapy water in them, or trap the insects in sugary baits. But these ways put you at risk. Remember that wasps can be very aggressive when they feel threatened. They will definitely don’t appreciate you destroying their homes. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of pest control, it’s best to let a professional handle it.

Yellow jackets and wasps have a lot of differences

Yellow jackets and wasps may seem confusing, but they have key differences. Yellow jackets tend to be more dangerous and disruptive on your property. But wasps in general are health and property risks. No matter what kind of stinging pest is on your property, you should get rid of them.