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RESOURCES: YELLOWJACKETS, WASPS Yellowjackets 
Yellowjackets typically have a black and yellow color pattern, hence the name. They are found worldwide, with about 16 species in the United States. Adult workers are about 3/8" to 5/8" long, depending on the species; queens are about 25% longer. Yellowjackets are social insects and live in nests or colonies. The adults are represented by workers, which are sterile females, queens, and males which come from unfertilized eggs and usually appear in late summer. Typically, only queens overwinter and do so in sheltered places. In the spring, she uses chewed up cellulose material to build a paper carton nest of a few cells, which will eventually consist of 30 to 55 cells covered by a paper envelope. The nest will eventually consist of a number of rounded paper combs which are open and attached one below another. Nest sizes vary from 300 to 120,000 cells, and average between 2-6,000 cells. Later in the season, larger reproductive cells are built in which queens will be reared. Most of the pest species of yellowjackets are ground nesting. The German yellowjacket usually nests in buildings in the United States. Those nesting in the ground typically select areas bare of vegetation or else clear an area around the entrance. There are nest entrance guards to protect the colony. Yellowjackets are very slow to sting unless the nest entrance is approached; they then become quite aggressive. Each can sting a number of times, inflicting much pain. Some people become hypersensitive to their stings, and future stings can become life threatening. Paper Wasps 
Paper wasps get their name from the paperlike material they create to construct their nests. These usually unaggressive wasps are considered a nuisance pest. Various species are found throughout the United States. Adults are usually about 5/8" to 3/4" long; their color is brownish with yellow markings, and a few species have reddish markings. Paper wasps are semi-social, existing in small colonies, but without workers. Inseminated queens begin building nests in the spring. These founding queens are often joined by other inseminated queens, which assist in nest building and maintenance. 
Nests consist of a single layer of paperlike comb with the cells opening downward. (pictured, right) This comb is supported or suspended from a branch, twig, or horizontal surface by a single long support; this apparently aids in defense from such predators as ants. This comb is never enclosed by an envelope, but remains naked. If a nest is touched, there is a high probability that the person touching the nest will be stung. Paper wasps also like to hang their comb nests from porch ceilings, the top member of window and door frames, soffits, eaves, attic rafters, deck floor joists and railings. Paper wasps are beneficial insects, helping to control many insect pests. If their nest is located near dwellings, control is necessary. We
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