Mosquito Joe Takes the Sting Out of Your Yard

Yellow jackets are found worldwide, and there are about 16 species that reside in the U.S. They can typically be identified by the yellow and black pattern around their abdomens, although some may show white and black colors and have a thin waist. They are social insects that have annual colonies, however, only the queen lives through winter to start a new colony in the spring.

Yellow jackets typically build their nest in the ground near roots or where the dirt is soft. They are very territorial, so if there are strong vibrations near the nest or if the nest is accidentally stepped on, they will attack. The yellow jacket sting is known to be painful, and some may have can have an allergic reaction to the sting.