That is the question…which is frequently asked by visitors to the SBG! When we discuss the habits of solitary ground nesting bees, someone invariably has a story about a negative interaction with a small stripy creature, which they are sure was a bee. But upon further questioning, it emerges that the culprit was likely a ground-nesting wasp, probably a yellow jacket.
Eastern yellow jackets (Vespula maculifrons) are ground-nesting wasps that are common to most of the eastern US, including central PA. Only the queens overwinter to start a new colony in late spring, constructing a nest in the ground or (occasionally) a protected structure. Female workers are the first to be produced, and once they are mature, the queen stays with the nest and focuses solely on reproduction. Males are produced in late summer, closely followed by a brood of new queens, who will overwinter and take up the crown the following spring.
As with any creature guarding a colony, these wasps will sting if threatened, and pack a powerful punch of venom in their sting. Sensitive individuals should give them a wide berth. However, like all wasps, they’re some of nature’s best pest controllers, preying on a wide variety of insects, both living and dead. They’ll also scavenge dead insects or mammals, and like most of us, possess quite a sweet tooth–so rake up your fallen fruit if you don’t want unexpected visitors! And, you can provide plenty of sweet alternatives in the form of late-summer nectar plants like goldenrods, asters and wingstem.
If nests are located in a low-traffic area, it’s best to leave them be–once freezing temps arrive, the workers will die and new queens will search for a different nesting site in the spring. If control is necessary, you can find information on safe management here: Eastern Yellowjacket
Photo: Vespula maculifrons, Heather Holm
