Common Name - Yellow Jacket

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Vespidae

These are one of our most dreaded insects in North Dakota, especially in the fall. They construct their nests by combining wood fibers with their saliva to form paper-like nests that are often found near houses, bushes, or even in the ground (especially rodent burrows).  Their nests often have more than one entrance.

These insects, unlike honey bees, do NOT lose their stinger after they sting.  This means that a single individual will cause multiple stings during an attack.  If they feel threatened, they will release an attack pheromone which signals to others in the area to come attack the threat.  This is especially true if a nest is disturbed.

They will feed off sweet liquids (nectar, soda, juice) as well as meat that has been left out in the open.  Often times people will be stung on the lip while taking a drink of their soda or adult beverage as these insects will crawl directly in the bottle/can to get a drink.

The best way to remove a nest is to heavily spray insecticide (often multiple times) soaking the nest, especially the entrance.  This should ONLY be done when temps are cool and activity is reduced.  You can also wait until winter, remove the nest wearing gloves, then set it on fire.  If you or someone in the area is allergic to stings, a professional may be needed for removal.