These are all related stinging insects, but they behave very differently and require different removal approaches. Yellow jackets are actually a type of wasp—they’re the most aggressive species and typically nest underground in abandoned rodent burrows. Hornets are larger wasps that build paper nests in trees, attics, or wall voids. They’re less aggressive than yellow jackets but have more painful stings and can be extremely defensive of their nests. Paper wasps are generally the most docile, building open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and overhangs. However, all three species will attack if they perceive a threat to their colony, and proper identification is crucial for safe, effective removal.