Yellow Jacket Sting

Yes, yellow jackets sting. These yellow-and-black-striped wasps nest underground or in places like tree stumps, hollow logs and between walls. Because of their markings, many people confuse yellow jackets with honeybees. But unlike a honeybee, which can only sting you once, a yellow jacket can sting you repeatedly. Yellow jacket stings are the most common type of insect sting in the United States.

When a yellow jacket stings, its stinger pierces your skin and injects venom. For most people, yellow jacket venom causes pain, swelling and itching. But people who are allergic can develop anaphylactic symptoms like dizziness, hives, vomiting or difficulty breathing and swallowing.

If you or someone you know has a severe allergic reaction to a yellow jacket sting, call 911 immediately. If you have an EpiPen®, use it. This is a medical emergency and you need prompt care.