The Southern Yellowjacket is a common, aggressive wasp in the southeastern US with classic yellow-and-black banding and workers that readily sting when the nest is threatened. Colonies can contain tens of thousands of workers by late summer and are frequently built underground. It is a major scavenger at picnics and outdoor food.
Best time to see a Southern Yellowjacket
The best time to see a Southern Yellowjacket is April–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 17,845 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Southern Yellowjacket? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Southern Yellowjacket sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Southern Yellowjacket?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.