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The common wasps that we typically see in the desert are the Paper Wasp, Yellow Jacket and Tarantula Hawk. Paper wasps and Yellow Jackets are social insects meaning they have a nest survive in a group but with the Tarantula Hawk, they are solitary or usually survive on their own.

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It is uncommon for wasps to be aggressive towards people or pets unless provoked in some way. If they are trying to sting you, it's possible that a female is protecting their nest nearby or has been disturbed from gathering food or water.

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Unlike their relative, the Honey Bee, Wasps have smaller barbs on their stinger which allows them to sting and withdraw repeatedly.  When a wasp stings, it will simultaneously release a pheromone, signalling other wasps in the colony to come attack.