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Pest Library · Stinging insectsYellowjackets Identification Guide
How to identify yellowjackets, the aggressive wasps behind most late-summer stings in Ontario.
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How to identify
What yellowjackets look like
Yellowjackets are compact wasps with bold black and yellow bands and very little hair, unlike bees. They fly fast and side to side when they hunt.
They nest in the ground, inside wall voids, soffits and sheds, with a paper nest that can hold thousands of wasps by late summer.
Signs you have yellowjackets
- Steady traffic in and out of a hole in the ground or a gap in siding
- Wasps around garbage, patios and sweet drinks
- Chewing or buzzing sounds inside a wall
Are they dangerous?
Yellowjackets defend their nests aggressively and can sting many times. Stings are painful and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.
How to prevent them
- Keep garbage and recycling bins closed
- Cover drinks and food outdoors
- Seal gaps in siding, soffits and vents in spring
- Have nests treated early, before colonies peak in August
Quick facts
Scientific nameVespula spp.
Size10–16 mm
ColourBlack and bright yellow bands
Most activeSummer to early fall
Found inGround holes, walls, soffits
Risk levelHigh (multiple stings)
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