Are Wasps and Yellow Jackets the Same?
WouterWhether you call them wasps or yellow jackets, the two are similar in appearance. They are both yellow and black, with dark wings and antennas. They are members of the Vespidae family, which includes insects with folded wings. However, there are several differences between the two. They are both scavengers, but they are distinctly different in their behavior.
Wasps are a type of insect that belong to the superfamilies Vespoidia or Sphecoidea. They are stinging insects. Their venom contains powerful pain-causing agents, but individual responses vary. If you are allergic to their venom, you may suffer a severe reaction.
Wasps live in colonies, which can include thousands of individuals. Each colony is usually formed by one reproductive female. The colony may consist of a single nest or several nests. Some nests may be built underground or above ground. Some species build nests in a rodent burrow, while others nest in a wall void.
Wasps can be found in a variety of places, including fruit trees, ornamental plants, and human waste. They are also attracted to clover and pet food. Wasps do not usually sting humans, although they can be aggressive if disturbed. Some wasps live alone, while others are social.
Yellowjackets are generally aggressive, scavengers, and predators. They prey on small, soft-bodied insects. They live in colonies that can contain up to 15,000 individuals. The nests are usually underground, although some species construct nests on buildings or shrubs. They are also known to forage on human waste and garbage cans.
