Yellow Jackets (Hornets):

Hornets and wasps look similar—because hornets are actually a type of wasp. Yellow jackets, often mistaken for hornets, are short, aggressive wasps with distinctive black and yellow (or white) markings. Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times and become especially hostile when defending their nests. All yellow jackets build paper nests surrounded by a papery outer shell. Most nests are hidden underground, often in abandoned rodent burrows, but they may also nest in wall voids, attics, and dense shrubs. Their presence becomes a major issue in late summer and early fall when colonies reach peak size and food competition increases. Yellow jackets are drawn to sweets, meats, and garbage, making them common pests at cookouts, parks, and near homes. Their painful stings pose serious risks—especially to those with allergies. Learn more about bees, wasps, and hornets to correctly identify and safely handle the infestation you’re dealing with.