Wasp vs. hornet vs. yellow jacket: How to tell the difference

When you hear a buzzing near your ear at the barbecue, your immediate reaction is usually to step back or swat the air. But that one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the right one for dealing with stinging insects. Knowing whether you’re looking at a wasp vs. hornet vs. yellow jacket can make a big difference in how you handle the nest.

While paper wasps, hornets and yellow jackets discussed here are all wasps in the family Vespidae, their behaviors, nest structures and risk factors can differ significantly

Knowing what to look for helps you react safely and protect your home from these common pests.

Use this quick guide to spot key differences between these common stinging insects:

Yes. Hornets and yellow jackets are types of wasps. Paper wasps, true hornets and yellow jackets discussed here all belong to the family Vespidae.

Hornets belong to the genus Vespa. They’re a specific sub-group of social wasps known for their larger physical size and defensive behavior when their nests are threatened.

Yellow jackets belong to the genera Vespula and Dolichovespula. These predatory social wasps build large colonies and are notorious for scavenging around human food.

Despite its common name, the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) is…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/