What kind of wasp is this?

9 years ago

I took this picture of a wasp out in my patio. I live in southern california. We just installed sod a couple of months ago, and these little guys have come in full force. They don't bother me, they just fly low in the grass, but one of them stung my dog which caused a terrible allergic reaction. I don't want to kill them, but they like chilling in my grass, even when cut real short, and I'm afraid of my dogs stepping on one and getting stung again. I don't know if this is a paper wasp, a yellow jacket, or what. What can I do to control these? They like to hide in the grass, and it's very hard for me to water/mow the lawn because they like to fly up to me, and to tell the truth, they scare me. Is this particular wasp aggressive? I don't know what kind I'm dealing with.

Comments (5)

gregbradley
9 years ago
Need a better picture but looks like a California Yellow jacket Some years when Spring comes early they can have a population explosion and there may be a huge nest nearby. They may be in the grass looking for insects to eat. If so, you can control those insects and they will go elsewhere.

There are ways to control them. I've used poisoned hamburger as they are attracted to meat.
devolet
9 years ago
Call your county vector control if you have that service. I'm in NorCal and they will come out and take care of invasive creatures here. We have to mark the area with a yellow marker or tape. They come when you are not home. If you get rid of the nest they may go away as well but better that somebody else handles it and your dog already has had a run in with them.
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mr_z1
9 years ago
Looks like a yellow jacket for sure.
napapen
9 years ago
They build massive nests in the ground. Little hole but lots going in and out. Look around your other areas and see if you see them. Other thought is they are under the sod.

Penny
napapen
9 years ago
They build massive nests in the ground. Little hole but lots going in and out. Look around your other areas and see if you see them. Other thought is they are under the sod.

Penny