A wasp is a flying insect with a narrow body, bright yellow and black stripes, and a painful sting. Unlike many bees, which are fuzzy and die after stinging once, wasps have smooth bodies and can sting multiple times. They build papery nests from chewed wood fibers, often under roof eaves or in trees.

Wasps are predators that hunt other insects, making them helpful for gardens and farms. A wasp might catch a caterpillar eating your tomato plants and carry it back to feed her young. But wasps also like sugary foods, which is why they buzz around picnics and soda cans in late summer.

When you see a wasp, stay calm and move away slowly. Swatting at wasps or disturbing their nest can provoke them to sting in defense. Their sting injects venom that causes sharp pain and swelling. Some people are allergic to wasp venom and need immediate medical help if they’re stung.