What’s the Difference Between Yellow Jackets and Hornets in Tallahassee, FL?

They both sting. You can run into them just about anywhere in Tallahassee. Flying insects that inflict pain are part of the Florida ecosystem. Yellow jackets and hornets thrive during our subtropical summers, and they always make a big comeback after our mild winters.

Our pros here at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control are often asked about the differences between yellow jackets and hornets. We enjoy sharing information you can use, so let’s take a closer look at these winged pests.

Do Yellow Jackets and Hornets Look Alike?

The short answer is yes. Here in northern Florida, we deal with southern yellow jackets, eastern yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets. They’re all members of the Vespula genus and similar in appearance.

When the insects buzz overhead, it’s hard to tell them apart, but there are notable differences. These details can help you identify yellow jackets and hornets around your property:

Yellow Jackets

Thin-waisted, segmented bodies
Bright yellow and black stripes
Elongated wings that fold laterally
Average length between 3/8 and 5/8 inch

Hornets

Dark bodies with yellow-orange bands
Two lines slanting up midsections
Wide heads with white patterns
Average length 3/4 inch

How Can I Tell the Difference Between Yellow Jacket and Hornet Nests?

Yellow jackets and hornets use the same techniques to construct their nests. They zero in on sources of wood pulp, chew the fiber, and mix it with their saliva to generate a nest-building material.

The insects create their homes from all types of cellulose, including tree bark, fences and even cardboard. Mouthful by mouthful, both bugs build strong constructions composed of hexagonal cells. As the colony grows, the nest does too.

There are differences in shape and location. Yellow jackets build round nests inside tree interiors, wood piles and deserted burrows in the yard. They can nest in trees, but they prefer existing cavities. Hornets construct pendulum-shaped nests underneath eaves, gutters, and tree branches.

What Should I Do When I Find a Yellow Jacket or Hornet Nest?

If you’ve ever tried to take care of bee removal or wasp removal with DIY techniques, you know it can be frustrating. Most homeowners use a consumer-grade insect spray with mixed results. It might chase the colony away from the nest, but there’s no guarantee the pests won’t come back.

You also run the risk of a painful encounter with workers defending their nests. Not all flying insects are aggressive, but yellow jackets and hornets can inflict serious stings. Just approaching their area often triggers the pests to release attack pheromones that bring out a swarm.

Repeated stings from either insect can trigger allergic reactions, including severe swelling, itching, shortness of breath and dizziness. A yellow jacket only stings once because it leaves the barb in your skin. Hornets sting multiple times, increasing the chances of a health emergency.

It’s tempting to try to get rid of yellow jackets and hornets by yourself, but we highly recommend leaving the job to our pest control professionals.

How Does Capelouto Eliminate Stinging Insect Nests From My Property?

Here at Capelouto, our yellow jacket, hornet, bee & wasp control services are backed by more than 50 years of experience. Whether it’s stinging insects, termites, ants or mice, we know how to eliminate the problem with safe techniques that you can trust. You have our 100% guarantee.

Don’t try to do it yourself. Let the best pest control service in Tallahassee do the work. Contact our pros here at Capelouto Termite & Pest Control for a free estimate today.