Yellow Jackets (Buzzes like a bee)

Are Yellow Jackets Bees or Wasps?

German Yellow Jackets are aggressive social wasps often mistaken for bees due to their black and yellow markings. Unlike a honeybee which stings once and dies, a yellow jacket possesses a smooth stinger that allows it to sting repeatedly. These pests are highly territorial and will defend their colony aggressively if disturbed.

Identifying a Yellow Jacket Nest

Yellow jackets build distinctive nests using gray paper they create by chewing on tiny slivers of wood. The appearance and location depend on the specific species found in Wisconsin:

• Aerial Yellow Jackets: These build visible nests in trees, shrubs, or high eaves. The nest resembles a large gray football with a single entrance hole at the bottom.
• German Yellow Jackets: These frequently nest inside wall voids, attics, or underground. You will rarely see the physical nest structure itself.

Signs of Yellow Jackets in Your Walls

Homeowners often realize they have an infestation when they hear strange noises coming from a wall or ceiling. Listen for a distinct crackling or scratching sound. This noise is actually the sound of the colony chewing through drywall and wood to expand the nest.

If you suspect a nest inside the home, do not attempt to locate it by breaking through the wall. Instead, observe the exterior of the house to find where the wasps enter and exit through small cracks or crevices.

When Are Yellow Jackets Most Active in Wisconsin?

Yellow jacket colonies are annual and reach their peak size in late summer and early fall. This is when the population is highest and the wasps become most aggressive while scavenging for food. The colony will naturally die off when the hard frost hits Southeastern Wisconsin, leaving only new queens to overwinter and start fresh colonies in the spring.