German Yellowjacket (Vespula germanica)

Introduced to the U.S. from Europe, the German Yellowjacket is found primarily in the Northeast. This species is rapidly expanding and now found in limited areas in the Western states of Washington and California.

Appearance:

Like most yellowjackets, the German Yellowjacket is roughly a half-inch long with yellow and black coloration. It possesses an arrow shape at the top of the abdomen, much like the Eastern or Transition Yellowjacket, but this marking on the German Yellowjacket is usually narrower than that of other species.

Habits:

German Yellowjackets will scavenge for protein and are attracted to sugary foods, and may be pests around trash cans and picnics. Colonies will last for one year.

Nests:

German Yellowjacket nests are primarily found in structures such as retaining walls and building voids, but they may be subterranean as well.

Nature toward humans:

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

Other Yellowjacket species

Paper Wasps

Hornets