How Small Can Wasps Be?
WouterSeveral different types of wasps can be found in your area. Some species are extremely aggressive, and others will sting humans. It’s important to identify the species of wasps you encounter, in order to avoid stinging them.
Wasps vary in size, depending on the species. The average adult wasp is about one-third of an inch in length. They have six legs, and their waistline tapers down to a small tube. They are also quite hairless. They do not have a narrow abdomen, and they have two sets of wings.
Yellow jackets are the most common type of wasp. They have a black and yellow color scheme and a narrow waist. They do not have hair, but they can sting several times. They are also more aggressive than other wasps. Their stings can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Paper wasps are much smaller than yellow jackets. They have 3/4-inch-long bodies that are slender and smooth. They are a member of the Sphecidae family. These wereps build paper nests and prey on pests. They also help with pollination. They are found in the Mid-Atlantic region. They tend to be less aggressive than yellow jackets.
Other wasps include the European hornet, the Asian giant murder hornet, and the baldfaced hornet. They are aggressive, but they are not usually aggressive when they are within a few feet of their nest. They will sting only when threatened.
The nests of these wasps are fairly large, and they can hold as many as 100 to 700 workers plus a queen. They also make nests of mud. The nests are about the size of an adult fist.
