It's fairly common knowledge that yellowjackets are aggressive and their stings will inflict a lot of pain. But how dangerous are they really?
Yellowjackets have a bad rap. Do they deserve? In short, yes. Yellowjackets sting aggressively and their stings can cause days, or even weeks, of pain. Find out what they look like, how to avoid them, and how bad yellowjackets really are.
What Do Yellowjackets Look Like?
Yellowjackets are actually a particular type of wasp. While we call them yellowjackets here in America, the rest of the English-speaking world just lump yellowjackets in with the rest of their wasp relatives.
Yellowjackets, members of the Vespula and Dolichovespula wasp family branches, are often mistaken for other types of wasps or bees. They are typically around a half an inch long and have black and either white or yellow bands on their bodies. They are not covered in hair like a bee, but have the smoother elongated bodies like wasps.
One of the most important features of a yellowjacket, of course, is its stinger. The smooth stinger of a yellowjacket is capable of stinging repeatedly, as they rarely dislodge their stinger in your skin.
How Dangerous Are Yellowjackets?
Aside from just the fact they can, and will, sting you multiple times, yellowjackets are extremely aggressive, predatory insects. Even for those who do not have a specific allergy to yellowjacket venom, stings can cause swelling, pain and burning, and inflammation in the area that will last for hours to days. In some cases, the symptoms may be present for a week or more.
In addition to the danger of just one yellowjacket, these insects release chemicals that will call additional yellowjackets to the attack. As yellowjackets are social, living in large nests, they can quickly call a swarm. Anyone, with or without an allergy, can be killed by the toxins of yellowjackets if stung enough times. The number of stings to become fatal decreases for children.
Horrifyingly, there are also many cases where a live yellowjacket, who had burrowed into picnic food or flown into a cup, was swallowed, causing life threatening stings in the inside of the victim's throat.
In addition to human life, yellowjackets can threaten honeybee population health. As yellowjackets are attracted to sugary substances, they will raid beehives to steal the honey, wreaking havoc on the bees, even causing elimination of weaker colonies.
How Can You Protect Your Home From Yellowjackets?
Yellowjacket populations need to be dealt with immediately and with extreme caution.
To prevent the formation of a nest, take care to keep outside garbage collected, bagged, and covered properly. Keep your garbage can clean and free of loose organic matter.
Keep all food and drinks covered if picnicking or enjoying your outdoor spaces. (And check it before you drink or eat for any yellowjackets that may have snuck in!!)
We would never recommend the DIY removal of a yellowjacket nest. If you happen into a situation in which a yellowjacket nest is disturbed, try to remain calm and slowly exit the area for the safety of a car, building, or dense vegetation. Unfortunately, quick movements attract more yellowjackets and you may be in more danger by running away instead of walking. Try to cover more sensitive areas, like your face.
As with most pest control, maintaining a preventative barrier around your home and yard will discourage the formation of a nest or colony. Should a colony form, contact a professional company to help eliminate or remove the population.
We're always ready to help or answer questions. Call us today and stay safe out there!
Learn more about insects in Virginia in our Pest Library
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