Yellowjackets and other social wasps

There are a large number of wasp species in California. Only a few species live a social life.  Some of these wasps perform a great service by killing large numbers of plant-feeding insects and nuisance flies.

Left on their own, wasps are not a problem. They become a problem when they sting, or threaten to sting humans. Luckily there are steps to take to reduce the potential for interactions with these potential pests. UC ANR’s Yellowjackets and other social wasps  publication can help.

Topics include:

• Identification and life cycle
• Injury or damage
• Management

When scavenging at picnics or other outdoor meals, wasps will crawl into soda cans and can sting your lips or the inside of your mouth or throat. Photo by Jack Kelly Clark.