Paper Wasp: What They Look Like and How to Get Rid of Them

Paper wasps, a type of vespid wasp, have always fascinated me with their unique nest-building abilities. They gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva to create nests made of gray or brown papery material.

Some even refer to these wasps as umbrella wasps due to their nest’s distinctive design. These insects may range in color from reddish-brown to black, with yellow markings and long legs adding to their striking appearance.

When I observe paper wasps, I often find them to be slender and narrow-waisted, measuring about 3/4 to 1 inch in length with smoky black wings. These wings fold lengthwise when the wasp is at rest, a feature that distinguishes them from other stinging pests like yellowjackets and baldfaced hornets.

Their body may have narrow yellow bands and paired segmental spots, making them easily identifiable to people like me who enjoy learning about various species of insects.

One thing to keep in mind about paper wasps is that, although they are less aggressive than other stinging insects, they still possess the ability to sting. This is an important factor to consider when trying to control their populations or remove their nests.

However, their unique traits and nest-building capabilities make them an intriguing and beautiful presence in the world of insects.

When it comes to pest control, paper wasps can be a real nuisance since these stinging insects form colonies that can quickly grow to dangerous levels. But before we dive into how to get rid of them, let’s first take a look at what a paper wasp exactly is.

What is a Paper Wasp?

A paper wasp is an insect belonging to the subfamily Polistinae, which includes social wasps that construct their nests from paper-like material. They are found throughout North America and are known for their aggressive nature when their colony is disturbed.

These wasps are fascinating creatures that have adapted to their environment in unique ways. For example, they have a special ability to control the temperature inside their nests. They do this by fanning their wings to circulate air and regulate the temperature. This allows the colony to survive in a variety of climates, from hot and humid to cool and dry.

Potential Benefits of Paper Wasps

As an avid gardener, I’ve noticed that paper wasps play an important role in pollination. While they may not be as well-known as bees for this function, these insects still contribute significantly to the pollination of plants.

They visit flowers for nectar, and while doing so, the wasps inadvertently disperse pollen among plants, enabling their reproduction. This especially benefits gardens and the overall environment, as it helps maintain the biodiversity and health of plants.

In my experience, one of the many reasons gardeners appreciate paper wasps is their ability to control garden pests. They help maintain a healthy balance in gardens by preying on numerous pests, such as caterpillars, beetle larvae, and flies.

The adult paper wasps usually catch caterpillars to feed to their larvae, but the adults themselves feed on nectar.

By attacking these pests, paper wasps can keep their population under control, preventing damage to plants, trees, and shrubs. This natural form of pest control is beneficial in reducing the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a healthier environment.

Potential Dangers and Nuisances

Despite their benefits, paper wasps can sometimes be problematic. They’re known to build their nests in various locations, such as eaves, attics, garages, or bushes, which can be bothersome to humans.

In North America, they often share the same habitats with similar species, like hornets and yellowjackets. Though paper wasps are not typically aggressive, they will defend their nests vigorously if they feel threatened. This could lead to a painful sting for anyone unfortunate enough to disturb them.

To avoid conflict with these insects, I always take precautionary measures when I encounter a paper wasp nest. I use a broom or a hose to remove the nest from a safe distance. It is important to be careful in gardens and other areas where paper wasps might be present, especially if you are allergic to their venom.

Lifecycle of a Paper Wasp

The lifecycle of a paper wasp starts with a mated queen that survives the winter. She then builds a small nest out of paper fibers that she extracts from wood and plant stems. The queen lays eggs in the cells of the nest and the larvae that hatch are fed by the queen.

As the larvae grow, they become workers that take over nest-building duties and the queen switches to laying eggs. The workers are all female and they work tirelessly to expand and maintain the nest. They also care for the larvae and defend the colony from predators.

One interesting fact about paper wasps is that they have a unique way of communicating with each other. They use a combination of visual cues and chemical signals to communicate important information, such as the location of food sources or potential threats to the colony.

The colony gradually grows throughout the summer until the fall, when new queens and males are produced and leave the nest to mate. The old colony dies off during the winter, leaving the new queens to start the cycle all over again.

How to Identify Paper Wasp

When it comes to identifying paper wasps, there are a few key characteristics to look out for.

One of the most distinctive features of a paper wasp is their slender body shape. They have a long, thin waist and long legs that dangle as they fly. This body shape allows them to move quickly and efficiently through the air, making them excellent hunters.

Most paper wasps are brown with yellow markings on the head, thorax, and bands on the abdomen. This can make them easily mistaken for bees. However, there are some species of paper wasps that are reddish-brown or even all black. This variation in color can make it difficult to identify them at first glance.

Another key characteristic of paper wasps is their smooth, shiny bodies. Unlike bees, which have hairy bodies, paper wasps have a sleek, almost metallic appearance. This can make them appear more dangerous than bees, as many people associate shiny and smooth textures with danger.

When it comes to identifying paper wasps, it is important to remember that they are a type of social wasp. This means that if you see one paper wasp, there are likely many more nearby. It is important to exercise caution around paper wasp nests, as they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Signs of Paper Wasp Infestation

If you have paper wasps in your area, it’s important to be aware of the signs of their presence. These wasps are known for building their nests in residential areas, and they can be a nuisance for homeowners.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Nests: Paper wasps build their nests from a paper-like material that they make by chewing wood pulp and plant stems mixed with their saliva. These papery nests are typically found hanging from the eaves of houses or under tree branches and shrubs. They look like upside-down umbrellas with cells built into them for individual eggs. If you see these nests around your home, it’s a sign that paper wasps are nearby.
• Wasp activity: Another sign of paper wasp infestation is the presence of the wasps themselves. You may see them flying around your home or yard, searching for food and building materials for their nests. Paper wasps are typically not aggressive unless they feel threatened, so it’s important to avoid disturbing them if possible.
• Buzzing sounds: If you listen closely, you may be able to hear the buzzing sound of paper wasps as they fly around their nests. This sound can be a sign that there is a large colony of wasps nearby.
• Bite marks: Paper wasps are known for their painful stings, which can leave behind red, swollen bite marks. If you or someone in your family has been stung by a wasp, it’s important to seek medical attention if necessary.

It’s important to take paper wasp infestations seriously. These insects can be a danger to people with allergies or those who are sensitive to their stings.

If you suspect that you have a paper wasp infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control professional who can safely remove the nests and eliminate the problem.

What Damage Do Paper Wasp Cause?

Paper wasps are a common sight in gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces. These insects are known for their distinctive nests, which are made from chewed-up wood fibers and saliva. While paper wasps are generally considered beneficial because they prey on other insects, they can become a problem when their nesting sites are close to human activity.

One of the main concerns with paper wasps is their sting. Unlike honeybees, paper wasps can sting multiple times without dying. The stings of paper wasps are painful and can cause swelling, redness, and itching. For those who are allergic, a paper wasp sting can be life-threatening.

In addition to the risk of stings, paper wasps can also cause damage to property. Their nests are often built in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, in attics, or in sheds. Over time, these nests can become quite large, with several hundred individuals. As the colony grows, so does the risk of damage to nearby structures.

Another concern with paper wasps is their impact on other wildlife. While paper wasps do prey on other insects, they can also compete with other species for food and resources. This can have a negative impact on local ecosystems, especially if paper wasp populations become too large.

Despite these concerns, it’s important to remember that paper wasps are a natural part of the environment. If possible, it’s best to leave them alone and avoid disturbing their nests. If you do need to remove a paper wasp nest, it’s important to do so safely and with the help of a professional pest control service.

How to Prevent Paper Wasp

Are you tired of dealing with pesky paper wasps buzzing around your home and yard? These stinging insects can be a real nuisance, but there are steps you can take to prevent them from getting too close to your living space:

Seal Any Gaps

One of the most effective ways to prevent paper wasps from infesting your home is to seal any cracks and crevices in your homes exterior.

Paper wasps are skilled at finding small openings to build their nests in, so it’s important to be thorough when checking for gaps. Use a sealant or caulk to close up any openings you find, and consider installing screens over vents or other openings to keep wasps out.

You can also install insect screens on windows, doors, and vents to keep paper wasps out.

Hang Fake Wasp Nests

Hang a fake wasp nest in areas where wasps have been a problem before. Paper wasps are territorial and may steer clear of areas where they believe a rival colony already exists.

Maintain Your Yard

Another way to prevent paper wasps from building nests near your home is to keep your yard maintained and free of debris.

Paper wasps use a variety of materials to build their nests, including twigs, leaves, and other debris. Trim and maintain vegetation around your home. Dense or overgrown foliage provides ideal nesting sites.

By keeping your yard clean and free of clutter, you’ll make it less attractive to paper wasps looking for a place to build their home.

Apply Varnish to Wooden Structures

Apply a coat of varnish or paint to wooden structures like fences and eaves. This discourages wasps from chewing the wood to create their nests.

Clean Up Outdoor Areas

Keep outdoor areas clean by disposing of food waste and other organic items, especially during spring and summer when wasps come out looking for food sources.

Paper wasps are attracted to sweet, sugary substances and protein so make sure to wipe away any spills or containers that have been left out. Clean up any outside pet food, plus store trash cans away from your home and make sure lids fit securely.

Avoid Bright Colors and Floral Patterns

Believe it or not, the clothes you wear can also attract paper wasps. These insects are attracted to bright colors and floral patterns, which they associate with flowers and nectar.

If you’re spending time outside, consider wearing more muted colors and patterns to avoid attracting paper wasps.

By taking these simple steps, you can greatly reduce your chances of dealing with a paper wasp infestation. Remember, prevention is key when it come to dealing with these stinging insects.

How to Get Rid of Paper Wasps

Trapping

You can purchase paper wasp traps that use a sweet attractant to lure them into a container with sticky walls. This is a humane way to control paper wasps, but it’s not always effective.

Trapping paper wasps is a humane way to control them. You can purchase traps that use a sweet attractant to lure the wasps into a container with sticky walls. Once they’re trapped, you can release them far away from your home.

But keep in mind that this method is not always effective, and you may need to try other methods if you have a large infestation.

Chemical Treatments

Insecticides can be effective for controlling paper wasps. However, if you’re not comfortable using chemicals, you may want to consider a more natural approach.

Chemical treatments are a popular way to control paper wasps. You can purchase insecticides that are specifically designed to kill paper wasps.

It’s important to keep in mind that these chemicals can be harmful to other insects and animals, so use them with caution. If you’re not comfortable using chemicals, there are other methods you can try.

Nest Removal

If you’re brave enough, you can attempt to remove the paper wasp nest yourself. But make sure you aren’t allergic to them and take the necessary precautionary measures.

I recommend wearing protective clothing, including long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and a face shield. This can help to minimize your risk of being stung. Also, plan an escape route so you can quickly retreat if the wasps become aggressive. It’s important to remember that paper wasps are more aggressive when they feel their nest is being threatened.

To remove the paper wasp nest, wait until nightfall, when the wasps are less active. Use a long stick or broom handle to knock the nest down and into a bucket of soapy water.

Removing a paper wasp nest can be a dangerous task, so it’s important to take the proper precautions. Wait until nightfall, when the wasps are less active, and wear protective clothing and headgear.

Use a long stick or broom handle to knock the nest down and into a bucket of soapy water. This will drown the wasps and prevent them from rebuilding their nest.

However, keep in mind that this method is only recommended for small nests, and you should call a professional if you have a larger infestation.

Professional Extermination

If you have a large or dangerous paper wasp infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control company to handle the problem. They have the proper equipment and training to safely and effectively remove the nest and eliminate the wasps.

This is especially important if you or someone in your household is allergic to paper wasp stings.

 

Other Wasp Guides from Planet Natural:

Fig Wasp: Are There Dead Wasps in My Figs? (Complete Guide)

Great Black Wasp – Everything You Need to Know