It is also not an actual hornet, but rather another type of yellowjacket.īald-faced hornets are distinguishable from yellowjackets by their slightly larger size in addition to the white and black stripes that streak cross their abdomens. Bald-Faced Hornetįound throughout the U.S., the bald-faced hornet ( Dolichovespula maculata) is very territorial. A specialist will find the source of the infestation, the nest, and properly remove it. Yellowjacket infestations are a serious matter that must be handled by a professional. Hang sugar water wasp traps around sheds, picnic areas, and playgrounds.Spray essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus in and around the residence.Plant wormwood, thyme, spearmint, and cucumbers.Use caulk to seal any visible cracks and voids in the walls, roofline, or foundation of the home. Yellowjackets are attracted to sugary residues, perfume, flowers, hairspray, and floral patterns. This helps to numb the pain and ease inflammation.ĭoctors may prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, or inject medication through an EpiPen® to treat allergic reactions or bacterial infections. Once the sting site is properly washed, spray it with an anesthetic spray that contains benzocaine. Do not use peroxide, ammonia, or other chemicals as it can further irritate the affected area. While waiting for medical assistance, sanitize the sting site with soap and water. Victims that suffer over 10 stings should also immediately seek medical help. Attempts to squeeze the stinger out of the affected area can aggravate it.ĭizziness, wheezing, or rashes are all signs to quickly enlist a medic’s help. If there is a stinger, use a straight-edged object, like a credit card, to scrape it out. Unlike bees, yellowjackets rarely leave their stingers injected in the skin of their victims. If stung by a yellowjacket, immediately leave the site of occurrence as the venom releases a chemical signal alerting other yellowjackets that help is needed.Ī yellowjacket sting appears as a small, white welt on the skin surrounded by redness. Yellowjackets, when threatened, attack in swarms and can sting multiple times. The symptoms of a severe reaction include: Yellowjacket venom can incite immediate pain and life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, in which the airway swells and closes. These nests are usually burrowed in wall voids, rock piles, rotted tree trunks, and other cavaties.Ī single nest can host up to 5,000 yellowjackets. Yellowjackets live in colonies housed within multi-layered, papery nests. Yellowjacket workers are about 1/2-inch in length, whereas a queen can be nearly an inch long. Yellowjackets are also smaller and slimmer than hornets. Often confused with bees and other types of stinging pests, yellowjackets can be distinguished by the lack of fuzz on its slender, shiny bodies. The bright yellow stripes against the predatory insect’s black body gives the yellowjacket wasp its name. They survive the cold by leaving the used nest and burrowing deep inside tree stumps, hollow logs, and other cavaties for warmth. The workers cannot withstand temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, especially for more than a couple of days.īut, fertilized queen yellowjackets are able to hybernate over the winter. When temperatures drop, yellowjacket workers die off. This stinging pest is most active during the day. Yellowjackets can typically be spotted from June to October. The yellowjacket wasp ( Vespula squamosa) is an aggressive and venomous stinging insect.Ī Northeast native, yellowjacket wasps are often seen during the summer season and sometimes as the season shifts to fall. It is important to know what to do if you encounter such dangerous insects as well as how to treat their venomous bites and stings to prevent health complications. The insects on this list have venomous bites or stings that can cause acute pain and trigger allergic reactions. Residents and those visiting the Northeastern region of the United States must be cautious of venomous insects, four different species, specifically. Learn about the 4 Most Dangerous Insects in New England & What to Do If You Encounter One
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