PestDex Details
Eastern Yellowjacket
Vespula maculifrons
Aggressive stinging wasp that nests underground or in wall voids. Common throughout MD/VA/DC.
How to Identify
- •Black and yellow, ½ inch
- •Narrow waist, no fuzz (unlike bees)
- •Nests have papery envelope (underground holes or wall voids)
- •Aggressive when nest threatened
Where Found
Underground burrows (old rodent holes), wall voids, attics. Scavenge at picnics and trash cans late summer. Every MD/VA/DC yard potential nest site.
Seasonality
Nests start small in spring. Peak size/aggression August–September (hundreds to thousands). Freeze kills colony in fall.
Health & Property Risk
Multiple stings can cause severe reaction. Anaphylaxis risk for allergic individuals (carry EpiPen). Defends nest aggressively — can sting repeatedly. Nest near doorways or play areas dangerous.
Prevention Tips
- •Keep trash cans covered and clean
- •Don't leave food/drinks outside
- •Fill rodent burrows in spring
- •Seal wall voids and soffits
- •Avoid bright colors and perfumes outdoors in late summer
Treatment Notes
Nest treatment at dusk when workers inside. Insecticide dust into nest entrance. Escape route critical — they exit aggressively. Do NOT plug hole before treatment. Large nests or allergic individuals: call pro.