Bug FAQSaxon Wasp
Dolichovespula saxonica · Order: Hymenoptera · Family: Vespidae
Source: Wikipedia
Saxon wasps are larger than most yellowjackets, with queens up to 19 mm long and workers as small as 11 mm. They build nests above ground in trees, bushes, or buildings and can become a nuisance near homes.
Source: Wikipedia
How to recognize it
They have the typical black and yellow striped pattern of yellowjackets.
Source: Wikipedia
Size
Queens measure 15 to 19 mm, males 13 to 15 mm, and workers 11 to 15 mm in length.
Source: Wikipedia
Is it a pest in the house?
Their nests often appear in urban areas and close to residential homes, making them a pest for people.
Source: Wikipedia
Does it bite or sting?
When threatened they release an alarm pheromone that draws other wasps and can trigger aggressive behavior. Stings are not especially painful compared with German or Common wasps, and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Source: Wikipedia
How to get rid of it
Human interventions are often used to remove Saxon wasp nests. They rely heavily on chemical signals for alarm calls, fertility cues, and trail marking.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it lives
Nests are usually found above ground in trees, bushes, or sometimes in buildings.
Source: Wikipedia
Where it comes from
Originally from continental Europe, they have spread to Britain, especially the south and east, and as far north as Scotland.
Source: Wikipedia
Lookalikes
They look like other yellowjackets with black and yellow stripes, but are larger than most relatives.
Source: Wikipedia
More photos
Questions people ask
How big are Saxon wasps?
Queens are 15 to 19 mm long, males 13 to 15 mm, and workers 11 to 15 mm.
Source: Wikipedia
Where do Saxon wasps build their nests?
They usually nest above ground in trees, bushes, or sometimes in buildings.
Source: Wikipedia
Do Saxon wasps sting?
Yes, they can sting, but the sting is mild and allergic reactions are rare.
Source: Wikipedia
How can I get rid of a Saxon wasp nest?
Professional removal or other human interventions are commonly used to eliminate the nests.
Source: Wikipedia
Same family (Vespidae)
Sources
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolichovespula_saxonica
Look it up elsewhere: GBIF · iNaturalist · BugGuide · Wikipedia
Text written 2026-10-24 from the sources above and checked sentence by sentence against them. Data fetched 2026-10-22.