Everyone looks forward to the summertime in Knoxville. With the nice weather, people are compelled to spend more time outside. Whether you have an upcoming barbecue, picnic, hike, or another outdoor activity, it’s important to keep an eye out for summertime wasps! Although there are more than 4,000 species of wasps nationwide, there are three you’ll typically encounter in the summer: yellow jackets, mud daubers, and paper wasps. It can be difficult to differentiate between these wasps, making it important to know about their unique habits and behaviors. Keep reading for info on these wasps from the team at Russell’s Pest Control.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are very common and notoriously aggressive, especially later in the summer. Here’s what you need to know:

• They are best identified by the yellow and black horizontal stripes that run across their bodies.
• Yellow jackets congregate in colonies of up to or more than 1,000 workers.
• Their nests look globe-shaped and are built above ground, often near garages, sheds, and more.
• Yellow jackets will not bother you unless they feel threatened, in which case they may sting repeatedly. 

Mud Daubers

Mud daubers build their nests out of mud, and look quite different from other wasps. Some things to know include:

• They are mostly black in appearance but may have light-colored markings. Mud daubers can be identified by their thin, thread-like waist.
• Nests are usually located in covered areas such as porch ceilings, sheds, and attics.
• These wasps are less social than other types, often preferring to be solitary.
• Mud daubers aren’t as aggressive and will only sting when directly handled or threatened.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps aren’t as hostile as other wasps, but are common this time of year. Here’s what to know about this summertime wasp:

• They have a similar shape as yellow jackets but are mostly brown in color with yellow markings.
• Known for the papery nests they build, which look like upside-down umbrellas.
• Paper wasp nests often hang from tree branches and twigs, as well as porch ceilings and door railings. They typically contain up to 30 wasps.
• Paper wasps aren’t as aggressive as yellow jackets, but they may sting to defend their nests. Their sting is known to be especially potent.

Safe Wasp Control & Prevention

Seeing wasps during the summertime is inevitable. However, there are several things you can do to avoid them. Always wear shoes outside to protect yourself from ground-level wasps. In addition, seal any food or drinks you have outdoors, and always use a tight-fitting lid on trash cans. If you spot a nest forming on or near your home, it’s crucial to contact the team at Russell’s. We can quickly provide wasp removal in a way that is safe for all involved.