Understanding Wasps, Yellowjackets and Hornets
Often misunderstood and seen as unwelcome summer visitors, most wasps are actually harmless allies. These insects play essential roles in keeping our landscapes healthy. By controlling pest insects, visiting flowers and recycling nutrients, they help maintain the natural balance.
Understanding how they live, and how they differ, can help us coexist with them more comfortably.
WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON
Social colonies
Many of the wasps people notice - paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets - live in seasonal colonies.
Each colony includes:
Defensive stingers
Wasps can sting, but they usually do so only to defend their nest. Most stings occur when a colony is accidentally disturbed. Unlike honey bees, wasps can sting more than once because their stingers are not barbed.
Skilled fliers
Wasps are highly agile in flight. Their strong wings allow them to hover, hunt moving prey, and travel efficiently between food sources and nests.
Complete life cycle
Like butterflies and beetles, wasps undergo complete metamorphosis: Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Workers feed the larvae protein-rich food, mainly other insects.
Many of the wasps people notice - paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets - live in seasonal colonies.
Each colony includes:
- A queen that lays eggs
- Female workers that gather food and care for young
- Males produced later in the season for reproduction
Defensive stingers
Wasps can sting, but they usually do so only to defend their nest. Most stings occur when a colony is accidentally disturbed. Unlike honey bees, wasps can sting more than once because their stingers are not barbed.
Skilled fliers
Wasps are highly agile in flight. Their strong wings allow them to hover, hunt moving prey, and travel efficiently between food sources and nests.
Complete life cycle
Like butterflies and beetles, wasps undergo complete metamorphosis: Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Workers feed the larvae protein-rich food, mainly other insects.
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HOW THEY DIFFER
Appearance
Diet
Adults and larvae have different needs.
Adults
Nesting habits
Different species build different types of nests:
- Bees – Stout, fuzzy bodies designed for collecting pollen
- Wasps – Smooth, slender bodies with a narrow waist
- Yellowjackets – Bright yellow and black striping
- Hornets – Larger and more stocky, often brownish or reddish
- Bees are generally gentle and sting only when threatened.
- Wasps are active hunters and scavengers.
- Yellowjackets are highly defensive of their nests and may be attracted to sugary foods, especially in late summer.
- Hornets tend to be less noticeable but will defend their nests if disturbed.
Diet
Adults and larvae have different needs.
Adults
- Nectar from flowers
- Tree sap or honeydew
- Sugary foods when natural sources are scarce
- Insects and spiders provided by workers
Nesting habits
Different species build different types of nests:
- Paper wasps – small open combs under eaves or branches
- Yellowjackets – underground nests or hidden cavities
- Hornets – large enclosed paper nests in trees or on structures
Natural pest control
They remove thousands of caterpillars, flies, and other insects that damage trees, shoreline plants, and gardens.
They remove thousands of caterpillars, flies, and other insects that damage trees, shoreline plants, and gardens.
Pollination
While not as efficient as bees, many species visit flowers for nectar and contribute to pollination.
While not as efficient as bees, many species visit flowers for nectar and contribute to pollination.
Nutrient recycling
Yellowjackets help break down dead insects and organic material.
Yellowjackets help break down dead insects and organic material.
Food for wildlife
Wasps and their larvae are eaten by birds and other animals, making them part of the lake food web.Without wasps, populations of plant-eating insects would increase dramatically.
Wasps and their larvae are eaten by birds and other animals, making them part of the lake food web.Without wasps, populations of plant-eating insects would increase dramatically.
Wasps and Bees: Close Relatives
Wasps and bees belong to the same insect order (Hymenoptera). Fun fact: Bees evolved from predatory wasp ancestors!
The key difference:
The key difference:
- Bees collect pollen and nectar for their young What's The Difference Between Bees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Hornets?
- Wasps hunt insects to feed their larvae
However, many wasps still depend on flowers for nectar, which means planting native flowers supports both groups.
Living Safely with Wasps
Most conflicts can be avoided with simple awareness:
- Keep a safe distance from visible nests
- Avoid sudden movements near active colonies
- Cover food and drinks outdoors in late summer
- Remember that colonies are temporary and die off in fall
Support Beneficial Wasps
- Plant native flowering plants that bloom throughout the season
- Avoid pesticide use
- Leave some natural areas undisturbed
- Recognize that most wasps are working to control pests
Native Plants For Supporting Wasps
Because they have short tongues, wasps prefer shallow flowers and generally avoid complex, tubular flowers, though some may chew holes to access nectar. Many species show a strong preference for white flowers. Here is a shortlist of plants emphasizing shallow, accessible nectar sources:
🌺 Carrot Family - Excellent flat, open flowers
- Golden Alexanders
- Wild Carrot
- Rattlesnake Master
- Canada Goldenrod
- New England Aster
- Common Fleabane
- Joe Pye Weed
- Mountain Mint
- Spotted Bee Balm
- Common Milkweed
- Swamp Milkweed
- Dogbane
Many gardening practices that support bees also support wasps, including:
- Leaving stems and plant stubble
- Providing natural nesting habitat
- Planting diverse native flowers
- Avoid cutting everything back in fall
- Maintain small areas of exposed soil
- Keep a water source or damp soil area if possible
