Yellow Jackets are wasps that possess the yellow and black banding pattern of bees. Workers are similar in size to honeybees, while the queen is a bit larger. Workers will be visible and active in the spring building paper-like nests in protected areas, such as in trees or shrubs, or under wood structures, including benches, steps and eaves. Nests may also be underground, where unsuspecting homeowners may disturb them doing yard work. Since these insects will become aggressive if they believe their is threatened, it is wise to observe yellow jacket activity carefully and address nests quickly.
Yellow jacket activity increases again in the fall as they gather food for the winter. Controlling the grub and caterpillar population in your yard may discourage yellow jackets, although they also eat other insects and are attracted to sweet plant and fruit juices.