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Wasps
Wasps are often confused with bees, but they can be distinguished by their smooth, slender bodies (compared to bees, which typically appear plump and hairy). They’re known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior.
Many species of wasps are beneficial to the environment because they pollinate flowers and prey on other pests. However, they can also be a nuisance and even a danger to humans when their nests are too close to homes and buildings.
Common pest species found in New York:
Bald-Faced Hornet
Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets are not true hornets—they’re relatives of yellow jacket wasps. The “bald-faced” part of their name comes from the white markings on their heads.
They build gray, paper-like nests that are about the size of a basketball and in the shape of an upside-down teardrop. The nests usually hang from high places like trees, poles, eaves, or the sides of buildings.
Bald-faced hornets are aggressive when their nests are disturbed. They sting multiple times and can squirt venom at intruders’ eyes, causing temporary blindness.
Size: Workers are 1/2–5/8 inch long (12–14 mm); queens are 3/4 inch long (18–20 mm)
Color: Black and white
Shape: Smooth, stout body with a short waist, long antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings
Legs: 6 black legs with white markings
Antennae: Long, black antennae with many cylindrical segments
Head: Face and mandibles covered in distinct ivory-white markings
Body: Smooth, stout body with a short waist and a pointed lower abdomen; look for 3 white stripes on the last 3 abdominal segments, and 2 slanted white stripes on the thorax
Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not
Wings: 2 pairs of translucent, smoky-colored wings folded lengthwise along the sides of its body
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula
Paper wasps get their name from the papery texture of their nests, which are made from dead wood and plant fibers.
These nests, which are usually found hanging in well-sheltered areas like tree branches and roof eaves, are gray or brown in color and have a unique shape resembling an inverted umbrella with open combs.
Paper wasps are less aggressive than other wasps and may “warn” intruders by flying into them without stinging. But they will certainly sting to defend their nests.
(Photo: John R. Maxwell)
Size: 3/4–7/8 inch long (19–22 mm); about the length of a penny
Color: Black and yellow
Shape: Smooth, slender body with a narrow waist, long antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings
Legs: 6 yellow legs; its hind legs are extra long and dangle in the air as it flies
Antennae: Look for its distinct orange-tipped antennae
Head: Covered in yellow markings with black mandibles
Body: Smooth, slender body with a narrow waist and a pointed lower abdomen; covered in yellow markings, including yellow stripes along its abdomen
Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not
Wings: 2 pairs of pointed, translucent wings with yellow-orange veins folded lengthwise along the sides of its body
Eastern Yellow Jacket
Vespula maculifrons
Of all stinging pests found in the United States, yellow jackets are the most aggressive and are responsible for the majority of sting injuries. They are particularly dangerous in the fall, which is when their colonies are the largest and their aggressive behavior reaches a peak.
Eastern yellow jackets are a “ground-nesting” species of yellow jackets, meaning they prefer to build their nests underground. However their nests can occasionally be found in sheltered, above-ground sites like attics and wall voids.
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Size: 1/2–5/8 inch long (13–16 mm); about the length of a dime
Color: Black and yellow
Shape: Smooth, compact body with a short waist, long antennae, 6 legs, and 2 pairs of wings
Legs: 6 yellow legs
Antennae: Long, black antennae with many cylindrical segments
Head: Covered in yellow markings with yellow mandibles
Body: Smooth, compact body with a short waist and a pointed lower abdomen; covered in yellow markings, including large yellow stripes along its abdomen
Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not
Wings: 2 pairs of rounded, translucent wings with dark brown veins folded lengthwise along the sides of its body
Bethylid Wasps / Flat Wasps
Multiple species (Bethylidae spp.)
Bethylid wasps are parasitoids that attack and lay their eggs in beetle larvae.
When they are found in a home or building, it’s usually due to an existing infestation of carpet beetles or pantry beetles.
Female bethylid wasps are wingless and may occasionally sting humans in defense (e.g. when picked up or trapped under clothing). Their stings are rather painful and may cause redness, irritation, swelling, and small welts.
Size: 1/12–1/5 inch long (2–5 mm); about the length of a sesame seed
Color: Usually dark-brown or black
Shape: Flat, ant-like body with antennae and 6 legs; females are wingless and can sting
Legs: 6 legs
Antennae: Long, thin antennae with many cylindrical segments
Body: Flat, ant-like body with a narrow, elongated thorax and a long, tapered abdomen
Stinger: Not barbed; females have stingers while males do not
Wings: Females are wingless; males have 2 pairs of transparent wings
