Yellow jackets are stinging, house fly sized wasps with distinct yellow and black markings and a few hairs. They construct a similar type of paper nest, however, it is tan in color, much smaller in size compared to the hornet nest, and is usually found in an underground cavity. Common locations for nests are in lawns, particularly in sandy exposed areas, as well as at the base of trees or shrubs. Occasionally, yellow jackets will nest in attics or wall voids of houses or storage buildings. Because these are stinging insects, the risks are serious. Unlike most other allergies, insect allergy can cause a life-threatening disruption to breathing and circulatory systems called anaphylactic shock. For one person in 100, the sting of an insect can be fatal.