| Species | Common Name | Distribution | Habitsb |
| Dolichovespula arenaria | aerial yellowjacket | transcontinental | does not ordinarily scavenge for protein, but in late summer may be attracted to sweets. |
| D. maculata | baldfaced hornet | transcontinental | predator and occasional scavenger; not as sensitive to nest disturbance; not a pest unless colony located close to human activity |
| Vespa crabro germana | European hornet | forested areas of eastern North America; native to Europe | predator; sometimes girdles branches and twigs of trees and shrubs; primarily a forest species, so has less contact with people and is therefore less of a stinging hazard |
| Vespula acadica | forest yellowjacket | forested areas of Canada, Great Lakes states, much of western U.S., & Alaska | strict predator; primarily a forest species so less contact with humans, but can be quite aggressive when nest is disturbed |
| V. atropilosa | prairie yellowjacket | prairies and open forest areas of much of western U.S. & Canada | strict predator; nests in yards, golf courses, pastures, etc., and can also nest in walls; usually not a problem unless nest is disturbed |
| V. consobrina | blackjacket | forested areas of Canada, northern U.S. | strict predator; primarily a forest species so less contact with humans, but can be aggressive when nest is disturbed |
| V. germanica | German yellowjacket | transcontinental; native to Europe | predator and scavenger; nests mainly in structures, but can nest in the ground or in trees; colonies can be perennial; exploits a variety of food sources, so is usually a pest; can be aggressive when nest is disturbed |
| V. maculifrons | eastern yellowjacket | eastern & central U.S. to the Mountain Region | predator and scavenger; nests in yards, golf courses, recreational areas, and buildings; is the primary pest yellowjacket where it occurs |
| V. pensylvanica | western yellowjacket | western North America and Hawaii | predator and scavenger; scavenges extensively for protein, especially later in the year; nests mainly in ground, but also in buildings; primary pest yellowjacket where it occurs; can be aggressive when nest is disturbed |
| V. squamosa | southern yellowjacket | eastern, southeastern U.S. to Central America | predator and scavenger; parasitic on V. maculifrons; will scavenge for protein; nests mainly in the ground in disturbed areas, but also in buildings; perennial colonies possible in subtropical locations; can be aggressive when nest is disturbed |
| V. vidua | none | eastern U.S. | predator; nests mainly in the ground in disturbed areas but also forests, sometimes in buildings; not a stinging hazard unless nest is located where it can be disturbed by human activity |
| V. vulgaris | common yellowjacket | transcontinental, Hawaii; prevalent in heavily forested areas in the West | predator and notorious scavenger of nearly any protein or sugar source; nests mainly in the ground, but also in buildings; colonies can be very large |
a From Akre et al., 1981.
b Those species that are scavengers are more likely to be pests around garbage cans and where food is eaten outside.