Wasp vs Yellowjacket | Identification, Behavior, and Danger

Wasps and yellowjackets are both stinging insects, but yellowjackets are a type of wasp known for their aggressive behavior and bold black-and-yellow coloring. While most wasps are slender with longer legs and less aggressive, yellowjackets are stockier and more likely to sting when disturbed. And the difference of wasp & yellowjacket is more interesting than the wasp vs hornet because in which most of them are similar things as compared to the wasp vs yellowjacket.

Wasp Appearance

Wasps have a thin, long body with a tiny waist.
Their skin looks smooth and shiny and no stripes.
They have long legs that hang down when flying.
Their color is usually black with yellow or brown lines on skin.
Their wings are light brown and fold along the body.

Yellowjacket Appearance

Yellowjackets have a short and fat body.
They have bright yellow and black stripes on their whole body.
Their legs are shorter and don’t hang when they are flying.
They look smooth and strong than wasps.
Their wings rest flat on their back.

Wasps Nesting Behaviour

Wasps mostly build their nests in upper & high places like on the trees, attic, under roofs etc.
Wasps nests are made from chewed wood, which looks like gray paper.
They build open nests with visible combs.
Wasps prefer quiet and dry spots to build.
They usually do not reuse old nests every year. And build new one every year.

Wasp Diet

Wasps eat small insects like flies and caterpillars.
They also drink nectar from flowers.
Some wasps eat fruit juice or sweet liquids.
They may visit picnics to find sweet drinks or meat for survive.
They help control pests by eating bugs.

Wasps Behaviour

Wasps are polite than yellowjackets
Wasps attack when someone disturbed their nest and lifecycle and daily routine.

Wasp Sting Power

The details about wasp sting are mentioned below that will help you to understand the wasp sting power and for comparison between wasp vs yellowjacket:

Wasps can sting once or multiple times, depending on the type.
Their sting is painful but usually not dangerous unless allergic.
The sting causes burning, swelling, and redness.
Most wasps don’t sting unless provoked.

Yellowjackets Nesting Behaviour

Yellowjackets often build nests underground or in wall cracks or in secret places.
Their nests are also made from paper-like material, but well hidden.
They build covered nests with many chambers inside.
Yellowjackets like dark, closed places for nesting.
They can be very protective of their nests and may sting if disturbed.

Yellowjacket Diet

Yellowjackets eat insects and are strong hunters than wasps.
They love sweet foods like soda, fruit, and candy.
They also eat meat and protein-rich foods.
In late summer, they become more attracted to sugar.
Yellowjackets often come near trash bins and outdoor food.

Yellowjackets Behavior

Yellowjackets & hornets are more dangerous than the wasps.
They are mostly attack near the food area and specially near sweet food.
They also attack in the last of the summer when the shortage of the food.

Yellowjacket Sting Power

The details about yellowjacket sting are mentioned below that will help you to understand the yellowjacket sting power:

Yellowjackets can sting many times without losing their stinger.
Their sting is very painful and more aggressive than regular wasps.
It can cause strong swelling and allergic reactions in some people.
Yellowjackets often attack in groups if their nest is disturbed.

Who is more dangerous Wasp vs Yellowjacket?

In wasp vs yellowjackets. Yellowjackets are more dangerous as compared to wasps, the following reasons are explained below that show you how yellowjackets are more dangerous:

Yellowjackets are very aggressive and they protect their nest very hardly.
Yellowjackets come in groups when they attack and sting many time.
Their sting are more dangerous than the wasp and very painful and causes allergic reaction.