Eastern Yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons)

Habits:

Eastern Yellowjacket colonies are often found in yards, golf courses, recreational areas and manmade structures. They will scavenge for human food, and therefore are considered "picnic pests".

Nests:

Eastern Yellowjackets typically build subterranean nests in yards, along roadsides, hardwood forests and creek banks, and in urban areas such as attics and manmade structures. Nests range from 4-12 inches in diameter and are tannish-brown in color, with larger colonies consisting of 3000-5000 workers. Entire colonies, not just the queen, can overwinter in warmer climates.

Nature toward humans:

Eastern Yellowjackets are "picnic pests" and may be a hazard if agitated while they are scavenging. They are also a stinging hazard if the nest is disturbed. Since this species is more likely to be found around human activity, Eastern Yellowjackets present more of a stinging hazard than other species.

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets