You should also keep an eye out for yellow jacket nests in trees, on buildings, and other areas above ground. Try to schedule your yard work or outdoor activities during periods when yellow jackets are less active, such as early morning or late evening. Yellow jackets are generally more active during the day.

While yellow jackets can curb some pests and help pollinate plants, you likely don't want them in your yard since they can be aggressive. Compared to bees which can only sting once due to barbs that pull out their stingers, yellow jackets can sting people multiple times.

Yellow jackets (Vespula species, Vespa species and Dolichovespula species) are considered beneficial around home gardens and commercially grown fruits and vegetables at certain times of the year because they feed abundantly on insect pests such as caterpillars and harmful flies.