In fact yellowjackets have a slight value as predators, preying on pest insects, and scavenging animal flesh. The term wasp is a description of body type and not temperament. The vast majority of wasps are very beneficial insects. For example there are wasps that are species specific parasites and predators of some very serious pests. Discription and Lifecycle Yellowjackets and bees share the same coloration but can be differentiated by the presence of hair.
Bees have hairy bodies and wasps are smooth and hairless.
Hornets bodies are primarily black with a yellow tail end. Many other insects have adopted the black and yellow colour scheme as protection from predators taking advantage of bee's and wasp's defensive reputations. Therefore, it is important to note that not all black and yellow insects sting. Yellowjacket and paper wasp nests can be differentiated by the outer structure of the nest. Paper wasp nests are not protected by an outer paper cover, unlike yellowjacket nests which are enclosed by papery material.