Western yellowjacket – Vespula pensylvanica:
A social ground-nesting wasp native to western North America. This is your standard picnic ruiner. Colonies establish nests in yards or recreation areas underground, where the danger of colony disturbance resulting in stings is high and particularly acute for those with allergic reactions. Since this species is a generalist predator and scavenger, it is a nuisance at picnics, patios, and around trash bins and frequently must be controlled.
Common Yellowjacket – Vespula alascensis:
Slightly smaller than the Western yellowjacket. Another ground nesting wasp that is easily disturbed by human activity. It’s underground nests can get quite large.
German Yellowjacket – Vespula germanica or V. vulgaris:
Another unground nesting species. Considered an invasive species and not one of our native BC wasp species. Their nest populations can reach into the 10,000’s by summer time.
Bald-faced Hornet – Dolichovespula maculata
Bald-faced hornets greatly resemble their yellowjacket relatives, with black bodies and a predominantly white-patterned face. They make their nests above ground, typically in trees, shrubs, or on outside structures. Their nests can get very large, often to the size of basketballs or larger and they will aggressively defend them.
Common Aerial Yellowjacket – Dolichovespula arenaria
Looking similar to the vespula species of yellowjackets, these wasps typically make their nests above ground, in trees, shrubs, or outside structures, but sometimes will make underground nests as well. In addition to their painful sting, they are also able to spit their venom when attacking as well.