Paper wasps and yellow jackets are amazingly similar in appearance from a distance. For inexpert eyes it is difficult to tell them apart because both are with thin bodies and black and yellow stripes. Both are omnivores and hunt both nectar and insects. They are social wasps and live in large groups or colonies and both have short life spans. This is where the similarities end because there are other aspects such as behavior, temperament, and approach towards human. However both are averse to human proximity to their nest and attack at the first sight of them. It is vital for the well being of your loved ones that they are exterminated from your home. However it is advised that you seek professional help like BBPP, most effective wasps removal Bolton and for nearby towns and get it done immediately.
7 key differences
- Paper wasp is larger than yellow jacket
Paper wasps have long and slim bodies and are larger in size than yellow jackets. The later is plump of body and is smaller. However the three sections of their bodies are clearly defined.
- Yellow jacket wings are darker
Yellow jackets are endowed with thin and rounded wings of darker shade. Wings are translucent and have veins running through. Paper wasps have translucent wings that are thin and pointed. Veins on the wasp’s wings are orange-yellow in color.
- They are different slightly in color
Paper wasps on their body have yellow stripes and spots on black base. They have black legs at the base and yellow-orange at the bottom. They have smaller antenna which is black at the bottom and orange on the upper side. Yellow jackets are contrastingly different as they have dominantly black and yellow stripes on their body. Their antenna is black and legs are mostly yellow.
- Paper wasps hang their legs
Paper wasp’s legs can be seen in flight as they tend to hang them instead of folding. On the contrary yellow jacket legs are folded in flight and are not visible to human eyes
- They nest differently
Yellow jackets have the habit of building nests underground, tree cavities, concealed places on the wall and basement. Paper wasps on the other hand build their nest in exposed places such as roof, ceiling, eves, overhands, trees, and other lofty places. Paper wasps build nests shaped like an umbrella set upside down. Yellow jackets nests are hidden from view and they build multilayer of honeycomb shaped nests that are attached to solid base.
- Behave differently
Paper wasps are not excessively reactive and they will attack you only when you disturb them physically or with your presence. In contrast yellow jackets will go into frenzy when they spot you near their nest and attack ferociously. They will also invite other yellow jackets to join the attack through feelers. Yellow jackets are aggressive and attack people without provocation.
- Differ in colony size
Paper wasps build single layer of honeycomb nest with papery material derived from wood fiber and saliva. Yellow jackets build multilayer nests where 500 to 1000 wasps can be found. Yellow jackets are mostly underground dwellers hence have the scope and space to expand where as paper wasps build nests in lofty places thus are restricted in size.
However one thing common with both wasp species is that they can cause severe pain and trauma with their stings so it is advised that you remove them from your home as soon as you detect their presence. It is a better decision to leave the onus of removing wasps to professionals like BBPP, the best pest control Bolton, as they are experts and have vast experience in dealing with them. You can contact them on phone number 647 910 6315 or email info@bbppcanada.com and get a free quote.