Different Types
Pest
Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps, Invasive Bees
Pest Category
Invasive Bees & Wasps
Do They Carry Disease?
No
Do They Cause Structural Damage?
Yes
Cost of Damage

Other Damage?
If the hive was built inside, it can cause damage. The hives, when lying on drywall, can cause the drywall to disintegrate and this can lead very large numbers of Yellow Jackets emerging into a structure unexpectedly. It can lead to dangerous situation. Their stings are also venomous.
Signs to Look For
Hives in and around structures, high levels of Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and invasive Bees activity around the outside of structures and constant activity coming from and going into any particular opening.
Where are they noticed?
Yellow Jackets build hives that start small and become much bigger over the warmer season. This wasp can build their hives almost anywhere. They can be found attached to a structure up high and closer to the ground. They can be found in attics, wall voids, crawlspaces, underside of decks, in shrubbery, trees and in the ground. When you see a large amount of Yellow Jacket activity going in and out of a particular opening it means you have a problem.
Habits
In the Northwest, there are a few suspect species that recur readily. The most common of these are the Yellow-jackets and the paper wasps. Of the two the Yellow-jacket is typically the more aggressive with the paper wasps often opting to shy away from human interaction which results in fewer sting incidents. Nevertheless, these are both nuisance pests that need to be addressed around homes and businesses in the northwest.
If Untreated…
Possible stings to people or pets.
Tips
Perform a preventative, exterior wasp treatment around the outside of a structure each spring and fall, which will greatly reduce the wasp population before they have a chance to build any significant hives. The lower the wasp population, the less chance of wasp problems.