Yellow jackets are about ½ to ¾-inch long with a black and yellow striped abdomen. They are scavengers and will impose on outdoor events where sugary foods and drinks are being served. They are also commonly seen swarming trash cans and are attracted to perfume and flowers as well.
If possible, avoid the nest as yellow jackets are more aggressive in this area. Yellow jackets prey on soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars and sawfly larvae so if they are not causing danger they do not need to be eradicated. Removing food sources, including fruit dropped from trees, can reduce the presence of yellow jackets. (Cynthia Domenghini)