Buzz
The wasp is one of the most frequently misunderstood insects. When people talk about wasps, they almost always envision just one type – the yellow wasp! In reality, wasps are a diverse group of insects, with many different species. You can narrow down the species you are identifying by observing the color, characteristics of the wasp, and its nest, but always keep your distance. Unlike honeybees, wasps do not die after stinging, so it’s important to stay safe by watching from afar!
Steps
Yellow Wasp
This is the most common (and most aggressive) type of wasp. They are social insects, so you may see many of them in one area. These insects are typically about 1 cm to 1.5 cm long, with distinct yellow and black stripes. They build small nests surrounded by a few layers of wasp paper, usually in trees, shrubs, attics, and grassy areas. The yellow wasp is the most common wasp species in North America and is quite aggressive, so keep your distance!
- Yellow wasps are very territorial and protective of their nests, so be careful and avoid approaching their nests. Generally, they are most aggressive during late summer and fall.
- Yellow wasps are scavengers and will eat almost anything, often causing inconvenience for people when they’re outdoors. They might even swarm trash cans if you open one.
- When people talk about “wasps,” they often mean yellow wasps.
European Paper Wasp
The European paper wasp is a social insect, but not very aggressive. It closely resembles the yellow wasp, with similar yellow and black stripes and an approximate size of 2 cm. Like yellow wasps, paper wasps live in colonies, so you may see several around the nest. The best way to identify a paper wasp is by observing its nest. They build large, paper-like structures, typically high up on buildings or in trees.
- The European paper wasp and the yellow wasp look almost identical; you’ll need to find the nest to tell them apart.
- Unlike yellow wasps, European paper wasps are relatively docile. They may sting if threatened but do not aggressively attack like yellow wasps.
- Despite being called the European paper wasp, this species is quite common in North America.
North American Paper Wasp
This species is generally dark brown with pale yellow stripes. Much like their European counterparts, North American paper wasps build paper-like nests on buildings and trees. They are slightly larger than their European relatives, typically ranging from 2 cm to 3 cm in length. North American paper wasps are usually less aggressive than many other wasp species, with even the males being unable to sting! Generally, this species does not cause significant problems.
- North American paper wasps are most commonly found in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.
Murder Wasp
These terrifying wasps are solitary predators. As the name suggests, this species hunts cicadas, laying its larvae inside them. Therefore, if you see an insect flying and attacking a cicada, it is likely a cicada killer wasp. These wasps are larger, with a body length of up to 5 cm. They have dark brown and black coloring, with yellow stripes and slightly reddish wings.
- If you wonder why there are so many dead cicadas in your yard, the culprit might be one of these wasps. Cicada killer wasps burrow into the ground and live alone, so you may not even know they’re there!
- This species will sting if disturbed. They can also become quite aggressive, so it’s best not to get too close!
European Hornet
The European hornet looks similar to the yellow wasp, but is larger with a slightly reddish head. This species can grow up to 4 cm in length and is the largest native hornet in the United States. They live in colonies but often hide their nests by building them inside tree cavities, attics, or abandoned buildings, so you might not even know they’re there. The best way to identify the European hornet is by observing their behavior; they are one of the few wasp species that are active at night and are attracted to light.
- If you see a wasp flying into a window at night when your house is lit up, it is probably a European hornet.
- This species will aggressively attack anyone who comes too close to their nest. Unfortunately, their nests are often hidden, so you might suddenly find wasps swarming around you without knowing where they came from. If you suspect there’s a hornet nest near your home, it’s best to hire a professional to deal with it.
Mud Dauber Wasp
There are several species of mud dauber wasps, but they all share similar appearance and behavior. Mud dauber wasps are solitary creatures and are rarely aggressive toward humans. They are easily identifiable among wasps due to their unique appearance. These wasps typically measure around 2 cm to 2.5 cm in length but are extremely slender. Mud daubers have a very distinct 'waist' that makes their abdomen and stinger appear separate from the rest of their body. Although they may look intimidating, they are usually harmless.
- Mud daubers build their nests using mud and earth. Their nests are usually small since they live alone.
- Some mud dauber wasps create nests shaped like a series of tubes, which look like pipes arranged side by side.
Bald-faced Hornet
This hornet species is almost entirely black, with white or yellow spots. These white/yellow spots appear only on the upper part of the body, making the black abdomen a key identifying feature. Bald-faced hornets are typically 1.2 cm to 2 cm long and live in colonies, so you may see several hornets around their nest. They often build their nests high in trees, which resemble large paper-like footballs.
- This species usually attacks other more aggressive wasp species but doesn't typically sting humans unless you get too close to their nest. Bald-faced hornets often build their nests high up, making them beneficial insects for gardens.
Asian Giant Hornet
Also known as the killer hornet, this invasive species is enormous. They typically grow up to 5 cm or more, with a wingspan reaching 7.5 cm. They are the largest hornets in the world and often cause panic when encountered. They are easily recognizable by their distinct orange and black markings. The Asian giant hornet’s sting is very painful, but they will not attack unless they feel threatened.
- This species lives in colonies and builds their nests underground in remote areas.
- In North America, the Asian giant hornet is mostly found in Washington state and the Northwest region of Canada. However, they are very common in Asia.
- As an invasive species, they pose a threat to the ecosystem. If you encounter an Asian giant hornet, contact a professional to remove it.
- If you live outside Washington or British Columbia and spot this species, contact your state’s rural development office. They can cause significant damage if allowed to proliferate.
Digger Wasp
This unusual species of wasp digs its nest underground, often found in gardens. There are several types of digger wasps, but they are typically dark with yellow or orange spots on their abdomen. Digger wasps are solitary creatures, so you won’t see them in large groups unless you have a particularly lush garden! These wasps hunt for tree-damaging larvae, so if you spot one, it’s best to leave it be. Though they look intimidating, they very rarely attack humans.
- Digger wasps are typically about 2.5 cm in length.
Grass-carrying Wasp
This solitary wasp builds its nest entirely out of grass. There are several subspecies, but the grass bundle used to construct the nest is a key identifying feature. These wasps are typically around 2 cm long and have a shiny black body. They do not attack humans and are generally considered beneficial insects, especially for pollination.
- Grass-carrying wasps often build their nests in unusual places. You may find them in gutters, storm drains, or even window sills. Some even build their nests on the ground, right out in the open!
Advice
- Some wasp species are less than 0.2 mm in size! This means there are bacteria that are larger than some wasps. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about these tiny ones – they have no interest in humans.
- Many scientists believe that honeybees and various wasp species have evolved to mimic each other, as both can sting. It’s also thought that the combination of black and yellow coloration signals to other creatures and animals that they should keep their distance!
Warning
- If you are stung by a wasp, contact a doctor if the sting doesn’t heal within a few days, if it occurs near your eyes or mouth, if the area around the sting starts swelling or producing pus, or if you experience symptoms similar to the flu.
- Many wasp species, such as yellowjackets, live in colonies and release pheromones when they feel threatened. This means they can call for reinforcements when they begin to attack, so it’s best to leave the area as quickly as possible.
- People can be allergic to wasp stings just like they are to honeybee stings. If you have an allergy and are stung, seek medical help immediately. If untreated, a wasp sting can cause high blood pressure, skin reactions, or even unconsciousness.
