Yellowjackets: Nesting Habits and Diet

Where do Yellowjackets nest and what are their nests made of?

What does a Yellowjacket nest look like?

What do Yellowjackets eat and how do they feed their larvae?

Yellowjackets nest underground or in walls, made from chewed wood fiber mixed with saliva, resembling a large papier-mâché ball.

Explanation: Yellowjackets, a type of wasp, typically nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows or in other types of cavities, such as in walls or attics. The nest is a complex, multi-chambered structure made from chewed up cellulose (wood fiber) that they mix with their saliva, forming a paper-like substance. The nest can vary in size, but usually takes on a round or oval shape, resembling a large, uneven ball of papier-mâché.

When it comes to their diet, adult yellowjackets primarily feed on sugars, such as nectar and fruit. However, they also consume other foods. In terms of feeding their larvae, adult yellowjackets catch and chew up insects, meats, and fish, creating a nutrient-rich 'soup' that is then fed to the larvae. This helps the larvae develop and grow into adult wasps.