How to Identify Wasps

Co-authored by Steve Downs and Eric McClure

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 Approved

Wasps are one of the most misunderstood insects out there. In fact, most people picture one kind of wasp—the yellowjacket—when they think of a wasp! In reality, they’re one of the diverse groups of insects out there, and there are all kinds of different wasp species. While you can certainly narrow down which species you’re looking at by inspecting its colors, markings, and hive, you really don’t want to get too close. Unlike bees, wasps do not die when they sting, so keep yourself safe by inspecting from a distance!

1

Yellowjacket

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These are the most common (and most aggressive) wasps out there. These are social wasps, so you may seem many of them in one location. These bugs are usually ³⁄₈–⁵⁄₈ inch (0.95–1.59 cm) in length, and they have distinctive yellow and black patterns. They create small nests with honeycombs all over them, often in trees, shrubs, attics, and lawns. Yellowjackets are the most common North American wasp, but they’re pretty aggressive, so stay away!^{[1]
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- Yellowjackets tend to be extremely assertive when it comes to defending their hive, so don’t walk underneath a hive to take a closer look if you’re trying to identify them. Generally, they tend to be the most aggressive in the late summer and fall.^{[2]
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- Yellowjackets are foragers, and they’ll eat just about anything. As a result, they tend to harass people when they’re eating outside, and they can swarm a trashcan if you leave the lid off outside.
- When many people use the word “wasp,” they’re picturing a yellowjacket.

2

European Paper Wasp

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European paper wasps are social wasps, but they aren’t very aggressive. They look very similar to yellowjackets, since they have nearly-identical black and yellow markings. They’re often around ³⁄₄ in (1.9 cm) in size, and they’re social wasps so you’ll see a bunch of them hanging around the hive. The best way to spot a paper wasp is to look at the hive. They build bulky paper-like structures, usually high up on buildings or in trees.^{[3]
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- Yellowjackets and European paper wasps look basically the same; you’ll need to find the hive to differentiate them.
- Unlike yellowjackets, European paper wasps are fairly calm. They can sting if they feel threatened, but they won’t blindly attack out of nowhere the way yellowjackets can.
- While they’re known as the European paper wasp, they’re actually extremely common in North America.^{[4]
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3

Northern Paper Wasp

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These wasps are mostly dark brown, with very subdued yellow markings. Like the European paper wasp, they’re social and they build paper-like structures high up on buildings and in trees. They’re a little bit bigger than their European cousins though, and are usually ³⁄₄–1 ¹⁄₄ in (1.9–3.2 cm) long.^{[5]
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Research source} They also tend to be less aggressive than many wasp species, and the male Northern paper wasp won’t even sting! Usually, these wasps won’t present much of a problem.^{[6]
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- Northern paper wasps are most common in the eastern half of the United States and Canada.

4

Cicada Killer

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These intimidating wasps are large, solitary hunters. As their name suggests, these wasps survive by hunting cicadas and laying their larvae inside. As a result, if you see a flying insect grappling or attacking a cicada, it’s probably a cicada killer. These wasps are larger, and grow up to 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length. They’re black and dark brown, with yellowish markings and reddish wings.^{[7]
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- If you’re wondering why there are a bunch of cicada carcasses in your yard, one of these wasps may be to blame. These wasps burrow in the ground and live totally alone, so you may not even know it’s there!^{[8]
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- These wasps will sting if you bother them and they can be fairly aggressive, so don’t get too close!

5

European Hornet

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European hornets look like big yellowjackets but with a reddish head. These bugs grow up to 1 ¹⁄₂ in (3.8 cm), making it the largest native hornet in the United States. They’re social, but they typically hide their nests by building them inside of hollow trees, attics, or abandoned structures so you may not know where they’re coming from. The best way to spot one of these is by their behavior; they’re one of the only wasps that are active at night and attracted to light.^{[9]
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- If you spot a wasp flying against your window late at night when the lights are on, there’s a good chance it’s a European hornet.^{[10]
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- These wasps will aggressively attack anyone who comes near their nest. Unfortunately, since their hives are rarely visible, you may find them swarming you out of nowhere. If you think you’ve got a hive nearby, hire an expert to handle this problem.^{[11]
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6

Mud Dauber

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There are many mud daubers out there, but they all look and behave similarly. Mud daubers are solitary, and they’re rarely aggressive towards people. These are some of the easier wasps to identify because they look fairly odd compared to other wasps. They’re usually ³⁄₄–1 in (1.9–2.5 cm) in length, but they’re incredibly thin. They also have a pronounced “waistline” (called a petiole), so their abdomen and stinger almost look like disconnected from their upper body. They may look kind of freaky, but they’re mostly harmless.^{[12]
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- Mud daubers build their nests out of mud and dirt. Their nests tend to be on the smaller side since these wasps are solitary.
- Some mud daubers will build organ-shaped nests that look like a sequence of parallel tubes.

7

Baldfaced Hornet

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These hornets are almost entirely black, with whiteish-yellow accents. These white/yellow markings only appear on their upper bodies, so a black abdomen is usually a giveaway. These wasps are often ¹⁄₂–³⁄₄ in (1.3–1.9 cm) in length, and they’re social so you may see a lot of them swarming around their nest. They often build their nests high up in trees, and their hives look like football-shaped structures of paper.
- These wasps actively attack other aggressive wasp species, and they won’t attack people unless you get within a few steps of their nest. Since their nests are often high up off of the ground, these are usually helpful insects to have around.^{[13]
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8

Asian Giant Hornet

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Also known as murder hornets, these invasive wasps are huge. They’re often 2 inches (5.1 cm) in length or bigger, but they have a massive 3 in (7.6 cm) wingspan. They’re the world’s largest hornet, and they tend to freak people out when they come across them. With distinctive orange and black markings, these hornets are pretty hard to miss. Their stings are very painful, but they won’t attack you unless they feel threatened.^{[14]
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- These wasps are social and live in nests, but they build them underground in secluded areas.^{[15]
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- In North America, these wasps are currently only found in Washington and Northwest Canada. They’re extremely common in Asia, though.^{[16]
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- This species is invasive, meaning that they’re actively harmful to the ecosystem. If you stumble across Asian giant hornets, call a professional to eradicate them.
- If you live outside of Washington state, Asia, or British Columbia and you see these wasps, contact your state’s agricultural department and reach out to the nearest university extension program. If these wasps keep spreading, they may cause some serious damage.^{[17]
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9

Digger Wasp

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These odd wasps burrow underground, and they’re common in gardens. There are a few different digger wasp species, but they’re generally darker with bright yellow or orange markings on their abdomens. They’re solitary, so you won’t see a bunch of them—unless you’ve got a healthy garden! These wasps hunt grubs that feed on healthy plants, so if you see them, don’t kill them. Digger wasps look frightening to some people, but they very rarely attack people.^{[18]
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- Digger wasps are usually around 1 in (2.5 cm) in length.^{[19]
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10

Grass-Carrying Wasp

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These solitary wasps build nests entirely out of grass. There are a few subspecies, but the odd bundle of grass they use to make their nests is a telltale sign you’re looking at a grass-carrying wasp. They’re usually around ³⁄₄ in (1.9 cm) in length, and they’re shiny black. They won’t attack people, and they’re generally considered beneficial bugs since they help spread pollen.^{[20]
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- Grass-carrying wasps tend to build their nests in odd locations. You may find them in your gutter, storm drain, or windowsill. Some of them even build their nests on the ground, out in the open for anyone to see!

Expert Q&A

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How can you tell the difference between a wasp nest and a beehive?

Steve Downs
Live Bee Removal Specialist
Steve Downs is a Live Honey Bee Removal Specialist, Honey bee Preservationist, and the Owner of Beecasso Live Bee Removal Inc, a licensed bee removal and relocation business based in the Los Angeles, California metro area. Steve has over 20 years of humane bee capturing and bee removal experience for both commercial and residential locations. Working with beekeepers, agriculturalists, and bee hobbyists, Steve sets up bee hives throughout the Los Angeles area and promotes the survival of bees. He has a passion for honeybee preservation and has created his own Beecasso sanctuary where rescued bee hives are relocated and preserved.

Steve Downs

Live Bee Removal Specialist

Expert Answer

A wasp nest is much smaller than a beehive. They are usually attached to overhang structures, and they're anywhere from a few inches to about a foot around in size.

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Some wasps are less than 2/10 of a millimeter in size! That means that there are bacteria out there bigger than some wasp species.^{[21]
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Many scientists believe that bees and many wasps evolved to mimic one another, since they both sting. It’s thought that the black and yellow color combination signals to other insects and animals that they aren’t to be messed with!^{[22]
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Warnings

If you are stung, call your doctor if the sting doesn’t heal in the next few days, you get stung in your mouth or eyes, the skin around the bite starts swelling or develops pus, or if you develop flu-like symptoms.^{[23]
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Many social wasps, like yellowjackets, actually emit a pheromone when they feel threatened. That means that it may call for backup if they start attacking, so get out of there ASAP.^{[24]
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People can be allergic to wasp stings the same way they can be allergic to bee stings. If you’re allergic and you are stung, see a doctor immediately. Untreated wasp stings can cause hypertension, skin reactions, or even loss of consciousness.^{[25]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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