FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE

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"Yellowjacket" is the common name for several different species of wasps that naturally occur in California. Some species are considered pests and are often common in parks, especially at picnic areas and around garbage cans. The pest species in the San Mateo County Park System are Dolichovespula arenaria, Paravespula pensylvanica, Paravespula vulgaris, and Paravespula germanica.

Yellowjackets are attracted to and eat sweet foods, honey, candy, fruits, soft drinks. etc. For protein they hunt other insects and spiders. In addition, the common pest species collect red meats, chicken and fish - the same foods that people often bring to eat in the parks.

Yellowjackets live in colonies (actually large families) housed in nests. Some species attach the nest to trees, shrubs or buildings. Native pest species, like those at Edgewood Preserve, usually construct nests underground, often in old rodent burrows. A newly arrived immigrant species, the German yellowjacket tends to nest inside buildings. Each colony is ruled by a single queen - there are no kings.

Nests are constructed from paper. Yellowjackets make a pulp by gathering wood or plant fibers, chewing it up and mixing in some of their own saliva. When the pulp is spread out it dries to form paper. The inner core of the nest is a series of horizontal combs which contain many six-sided cells used for rearing immatures. The core is surrounded by a spherical envelope of overlapping sheets of paper.

Yellowjackets sting only when they sense a threat to themselves or their colonies. Those flying about the preserve are looking for food, and will usually not sting unless swatted at or accidentally touched. Those near the nest will attack anything that disturbs the ground or passes close by.

To avoid getting stung:

• Don't go barefoot.
• Don't swat with your hands.
• Use lids on soft drinks.
• Check food before you put it in your mouth.
• Avoid using things yellowjackets are attracted to (perfume and other scents, hairspray, suntan lotion, brightly colored clothes, sweets).

If you are stung:

• If the stinger remains in your skin, remove it by scraping from the side with your fingernail.
• Apply cold water or ice in a wet cloth.
• Lie down.
• Lower the stung arm or leg.
• Do not take alcohol.

People who are highly allergic to yellowjacket venom may develop serious medical problems. If you have any of the following symptoms after being stung, SEEK IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT: hives, widespread swelling of limbs, painful joints, wheezing, shortness of breath, faintness, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nasal discharge or stuffiness, tightening of the throat.

Information taken from a San Mateo Parks and Recreation Division pamphlet, reprinted and published with the permission of the East Bay Regional Park District of Oakland, California.

Send mail to wm at this domain with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve. Last modified: January 20, 2008.