Yellow jackets can be aggressive, especially, if threatened. Their behavior can be unpredictable. If their nest is approached, the nest entrance guards will protect the colony.
A yellow jacket can sting multiple times and their sting is extremely painful. People can become hypersensitive to the stings, causing future stings to be life-threatening.
Yellow jackets tend to become more aggressive near the end of the summer when their colony begins to break down. The yellow jacket will search for sugary substances to help keep their young healthy. Picnics are a haven for yellow jackets, which scavenge for food in garbage cans.
If you are stung by a yellow jacket, treat the sting using first aid procedures. If you are allergic to stings or have an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.