Yellow Jackets vs Paper Wasps: What's the Difference?
How can you tell the difference between yellow jackets and paper wasps?
Many homeowners in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Rathdrum simply refer to everything that stings as “bees” or “wasps.”
However, the two species we encounter most often at Spud Pest Control are yellow jackets and paper wasps, and they behave very differently.
In fact, approximately 85% of the stinging insect calls we receive involve yellow jackets.
Understanding which species you’re dealing with can help determine how dangerous the nest may be and whether professional removal is recommended.
Get a Free Quote
Yellow Jackets vs Paper Wasps at a Glance
Yellow Jackets
- More aggressive
- Can sting multiple times
- Frequently nest underground
- Often build hidden nests inside walls and structures
- Colony size can become very large
- Responsible for most stings we see
Paper Wasps
- Generally less aggressive
- Build exposed umbrella-shaped nests
- Commonly found beneath eaves and overhangs
- Smaller colonies
- Easier to identify because nests are visible
Which Species Is More Common in Spokane and North Idaho?
By far, yellow jackets.
According to our experience at Spud Pest Control, roughly 85% of the stinging insect problems we treat involve yellow jackets.
Many homeowners initially believe they have bees or paper wasps, only to discover a large yellow jacket colony hidden inside the ground, wall voids, or under the eaves.
Where Do Paper Wasps Build Nests?
Paper wasps usually create open, visible nests in protected areas.
We most commonly find paper wasp nests:
- Under eaves
- Porch ceilings
- Sheds
- Decks
- Playsets
- Garages
- Exterior overhangs
Because the nest is exposed, homeowners often notice paper wasps much earlier than yellow jackets.
Where Do Yellow Jackets Build Nests?
Yellow jackets are much more unpredictable because they frequently hide their nests.
Throughout Spokane and North Idaho, we commonly find yellow jacket nests:
- Underground
- In abandoned rodent burrows
- Around landscape beds
- Under eaves
- Inside wall voids
- Around foundations
- Inside sheds
- In crawlspaces
- Behind siding
Because many nests are hidden, homeowners are often surprised when they accidentally disturb the colony.
Which Species Is More Aggressive?
In our experience, yellow jackets are significantly more aggressive.
Yellow jackets defend their nests aggressively and are responsible for the majority of stinging insect incidents we encounter.
Paper wasps can sting when threatened, but they are generally less defensive than yellow jackets.
Why Do Yellow Jackets Seem Worse in August?
Every spring, usually during April and May, homeowners may begin noticing individual yellow jacket queens searching for nesting locations.
During July and August, those colonies grow rapidly.
This seasonal pattern is one reason we receive so many yellow jacket calls during the hottest months of the year.
Preventing Future Wasp Activity
Spud Pest Control not only removes active nests, but we also focus on preventing new nests from forming.
This additional protection helps reduce the chances of new colonies establishing around the home.
Why You May Still See Wasps After Removal
Technician Brock Bateman often explains that removal does not always mean activity stops immediately.
Some workers may still be out foraging when the nest is treated.
As those returning wasps land near the treated area, the residual product continues working and helps eliminate remaining activity.
Because of this, it is normal to occasionally see wasps for a short period after treatment.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Professional removal is strongly recommended if:
- The nest is underground.
- The nest is high above the home.
- Wasps are entering siding or wall voids.
- The colony appears extremely aggressive.
- The nest is near a front door, deck, or children’s play area.
- Someone in the household has a sting allergy.
Attempting to remove large yellow jacket nests yourself can be dangerous.
Schedule an Inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
Are yellow jackets and paper wasps the same thing?
No. Yellow jackets are generally more aggressive and often build hidden nests, while paper wasps build exposed nests under eaves and overhangs.
Which species causes more stings?
Yellow jackets are responsible for the majority of stinging insect incidents we see.
Why are yellow jackets worse in late summer?
Colonies grow throughout spring and summer and reach peak population during July and August.
Do paper wasps nest underground?
No. Paper wasps typically build visible nests attached to structures.
Why do I suddenly have wasps around my house?s attract mice?
Queens begin building nests in spring, and colonies become much larger by late summer.
Can wasps return after a nest is removed?
Foraging workers may still return temporarily, but residual products continue working even after the nest has been eliminated.