What do we have (insect ID) - Ask Extension
We have a major nest of what’s pictured and need help identifying it? We weren’t sure if it was possibly a yellow jacket or something else? We wa...
Knowledgebase
What do we have (insect ID) #850814
Asked September 21, 2023, 4:55 PM EDT
We have a major nest of what’s pictured and need help identifying it? We weren’t sure if it was possibly a yellow jacket or something else? We want to make sure we know for sure so we can get the right assistance for taking care of the problem.
Clinton County Michigan
Expert Response
Yes, it is a yellow jacket. Judging from the time of year and the size of the abdomen relative to the rest of the body, I believe this to be a queen. Current yellow jacket colonies are starting to decline, with new queens and drones being produced now instead of workers. After mating, queens like the one you found will seek a sheltered overwintering site (usually NOT where the current colony is located) and spend the winter in a dormant condition. Next spring they will try to establish a new colony.
