Which States Have the Most Wasps?
WouterDuring the summer, wasps are a common visitor to many places. They are a natural predator of insects and feed on caterpillars and other pests. They are also important pollinators of flowers. They are often seen around standing puddles and recently watered lawns.
Some wasp species build nests around dwellings. Other wasps build nests underground or in the ground. The most common wasps in Washington state are paper wasps and yellow jackets.
Paper wasps are slender, 0.7 to 1.0 inch long, and they build nests in sheltered places. These nests are sometimes attached to the eaves of buildings and under porches and doorways.
Yellow jackets are social wasps. They build underground nests that resemble paper-mached balls. These nests are guarded by members of the colony. During the mating season, swarms form on tall structures. The colony is made up of a queen, workers, and emerging young. The colony reaches its maximum size in late summer.
The yellowjacket is a black and yellow/white striped insect. These insects are often a nuisance in picnic areas or garbage containers. They are also a stinging pest that can cause injuries if it stings you. The sting can cause swelling and damage the windpipe.
In the United States, there are three species of yellowjackets. The most common is the black mud-dauber wasp. The black mud-dauber is about the size of a paper wasp.
Several species of yellowjackets are found in Oklahoma. The black mud-dauber and cicada killer werep are commonly found in the eastern half of the country.
