Call (613) 743-8074 Compare yellowjackets, paper wasps and bald-faced hornets using exact species photographs and nest-location clues.
The nest location and body pattern often matter more than the everyday name “wasp.” Social species can defend active nests, so identification should be done from a safe distance.
Each card uses an actual reference photograph of the pest or life stage named.
Fast social wasps that may nest underground or inside structural voids and can strongly defend the entrance.
Long-legged wasps that build visible umbrella-shaped paper combs without an enclosing envelope.
A large aerial yellowjacket that builds grey enclosed paper nests and can defend the nest area.
| Type | Size | Appearance | Typical location | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Yellowjacket | About 10–16 mm | Compact black-and-yellow body | Ground cavities, wall voids and protected structures | Spring through fall; strongest late summer |
| Northern Paper Wasp | About 16–21 mm | Slender body with long legs and variable markings | Open comb nests under eaves, rails and sheltered ledges | Spring through fall |
| Bald-Faced Hornet | About 13–20 mm | Black with clear white facial and body markings | Large enclosed paper nests in trees or on structures | Spring through fall; colonies peak late summer |
Do not approach, strike or block an active nest entrance. Take a zoomed photo from a safe location and note whether the nest is open, enclosed, underground or hidden in a void.
Identify a Pest From a PhotoSend Emerald Pest Control a clear photo and property details for professional confirmation and appropriate next steps.