Jason E. Andersen

Yellowjacket wasps are a common summer insect that are widely considered a pest and, at least in my case, terrifying. They are often aggressive and will come right up in your picnic business. It’s not just to sting you (although they will certainly do that), it’s to steal your food.

Bonus Fun Fact: Yellowjacket wasps are scavengers. The common yellowjacket wasp (Vespula vulgaris) has developed a scavenging behavior that it uses to supplement its regular diet of living prey. They are attracted to sweet stuff especially, including fruit and soda. This behavior puts them at odds with humans, which can result in stings and traumatized children. It’s best to keep your food covered as much as possible or just give them some. You don’t need that whole sandwich anyway.