Found throughout North America
Found in meadows, forest edges, fruit orchards and urban areas, nesting in stumps, fallen logs and cracks in the ground. Familiar pests at picnics around ripe fruit, sweet juices and meat. Yellow jackets may scavenge rotting fruit from trash, and reactions from scavengers' stings may include tender tissue and inflammation below the skin.

The Yellow Jacket belongs to the group social wasps (including hornets) who build communal nests and defend them aggressively. They do not hesitate to sting for the slightest reason and can sting over and over again.

Prevention
Do not swat or wave at these insects because when they are upset, they release an odor that works like an alarm, arousing the other members of the nest to attack. Avoid wasp hives. If you must go near one, move slowly and carefully. Don't allow young children to play in an area until it's been checked for hives. Check for hives before trimming or felling a tree. Don't ever go barefoot. Don't swat wasps because the crushed bodies give off an odor that draws many more wasps to attack. If under attack, keep face covered and run indoors. It is possible to test for allergy to wasp venom in a safe controlled medical setting. People allergic to wasp stings should always carry an adrenaline kit.

Reaction
The sting is extemely painful and contains complex venom with neurotoxins and other components capable of causing tissue destruction at the site. Redness, swelling, itching and pain will occur at the site of the sting and can last hours or days. Check for signs of a severe allergic reaction on page 48 of the book.

Treatment
There is no stinger to remove. Wash the site with soap and water. Don't apply ice. Use a paste of baking soda and water for pain. Elevate the affected partof the body. Use pain relievers if needed. Make sure tetanus shot is current. In case of multiple stings or signs of a severe allergic reaction (listed on page 48), seek medical attention.