Their large gray nests may contain up to a few thousand individuals. Yellowjackets are frequent scavengers and they are often encountered during cookouts, around dumpsters and in trash receptacles. Many people are stung as they cut tall grass and otherwise end up standing directly over a ground nest or when an expanding nest in a wall void breaks through to the interior of a home or office. About 40 people die annually from stings, and many others are hospitalized. People who have a history of allergies, heart problems, or known sensitivity to stings should be very careful and seek medical advice when stung.
Most people only suffer temporary pain when stung.
This pain can be reduced by cooling the affected area with cold water or ice. If possible, capture the wasp for identification. The venom of wasps is used to desensitize people who have severe sting allergies. When stung out of doors, immediately vacate the area to distance yourself from a possible wasp nest. The venom from wasp stings has an odor that excites nearby wasps to repeatedly sting the hapless victim.