Paper Wasp Nest
Paper wasps belong to the Vespidae family of wasps and are famously recognized by their umbrella-shaped nests which are made of a paper-like material. They are frequently confused with yellowjackets or hornets but are basically less aggressive and good for nature because they eat caterpillars and other insects which are pests.
Its is a highly recognizable umbrella-shaped structure that is made from chewed wood fibers mixed with the wasp’s saliva which is paper-like in nature. Such nests are generally found in places that are not exposed to the sun such as under the roof of the eaves, under the decks, etc. The nests of the these are different from that of the hornets in that the latter have closed cells whereas the former have open cells or hexagonal cells. The cells of the nest are open and exposed, hence, this is where the eggs are laid and the larvae are fed.
What Do Paper Wasps Look Like?
If you’ve ever spotted a wasp that looks longer and skinnier than usual, with legs that hang low mid-flight — chances are, you’ve seen a this wasp. Most are about ½ to 1 inch long, and they usually come in reddish-brown or black with yellow stripes. Not quite as beefy as hornets, but still packing serious wasp vibes.
Most are about ½ to 1 inch long, and they usually come in reddish-brown or black with yellow stripes. Here’s a visual guide from the University of Kentucky if you want to ID one with confidence.
Their wings fold lengthwise when they’re at rest, which kind of gives them a sleek look. And the nest? That’s their signature move — a little grey umbrella-shaped structure with open holes that look like tiny cups. If you see that under your porch or tucked near the roof, you’ve got paper wasps.
How Do They Behave?
Here’s the thing: These wasps aren’t out to pick fights. They’re chill — until you get too close to their nest. Then they get defensive, fast. But if you’re not messing with their home, they’ll likely just fly around, minding their business.
They’re big on hunting small insects and caterpillars, so they actually help protect your garden. You could say they’re nature’s pest control — just with wings and an attitude.
Do Paper Wasps Sting?
Yep — and it stings like crazy. They don’t lose their stinger like bees do, which means they can sting more than once if they feel threatened. And yeah, that makes them kind of scary.
If you’re allergic, it’s serious business. Check out this quick guide from the Mayo Clinic to know what signs to watch for if a sting turns into more than just a sting.
If you’re allergic, it’s serious business. But if not, the pain usually goes away after a few hours. Still — no one’s lining up to get tagged by one of these guys. So if you see a nest near where you hang out, it might be time to take action (safely).
Are Paper Wasps Actually Helpful?
Surprise: totally. While they may be summer’s top picnic crashers, These wasps actually help out more than they hurt. They:
- Hunt garden pests (think caterpillars and beetle larvae)
- Sip nectar, helping pollinate plants
- Keep insect populations in check
So yeah, they’re not just flying around for fun. They’ve got a purpose — even if it sometimes involves dive-bombing your lemonade.
Should You Remove a Paper Wasp Nest?
Here’s the deal. If the nest is way out of the way — like up in a tree or behind the garage — maybe just leave it alone. But if it’s near your door, your kids’ play area, or your BBQ zone, it’s probably gotta go.
If you’re gonna handle it yourself, do it at night when they’re calm, wear thick clothes, and use a long-range spray. Or better yet, call a pest pro and skip the drama. Your call.
Red Paper Wasp
The Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina) is a species that is native to the southeastern part of the United States and is most easily recognized by its reddish brown body and black wings. These wasp are bigger than most other wasps and it is very important ecologically because it feeds on caterpillars and other insects thereby making it good for natural pest control. Like other wasps, it builds open-celled nests of paper-like material and is generally non-aggressive unless it is provoked or its nest is threatened. These Wasps is known to sting and the sting is painful but the wasp is not usually looking for a fight with humans. The bright color of red not only makes it easy for humans to spot the wasp but it also acts as a warning to the wasp’s natural enemies that it has a powerful sting.
Paper Wasp Sting
A sting of a paper wasp is sharp and hurtful. It also swells and reddens localized parts of the body, making them itchy. They can sting quite aggressively and sting multiple times whereas mostly bees sting once and they are defensive of their nests. Most of the stings are mild and can worsen the allergic reactions of persons who are allergic to wasp venoms, causing severe symptoms like breathing difficulty or sometimes anaphylaxis. “Give a cold pack, use antihistamines, wash the area with soap and water” are the common first-aid measures. Keeping calm around wasps and avoiding nests can help with avoidance of stinging.
European Paper Wasp
The European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) has been imported from Europe and become an invasive species across North America. They are similar to a yellow jacket but can be recognized by a more slender waist and longer legs. In contrast to native paper wasps, the European wasp is much more flexible in its ecosystem and is even more aggressive when defending its nest. Nests are constructed in confined spaces such as mailboxes, pipes, and beneath window sills, and therefore has even more frequent, though not necessarily welcome, encounters with humans. As bold as they seem, they also serve in the management of natural pests because they feed on garden insects.
Apache Paper Wasp
These wasp has a unique pattern of bold yellow and reddish-brown markings in southwestern United States. The common attributes include the formation of their open hexagon -celled nests on tree branches, building eaves, and in other protected places.
Northern Paper Wasp
The northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus) is a common species in many parts of eastern and northern North America. It is a species of very variable coloration, being anywhere from very dark brown to reddish-orange, and inhabiting cooler-prone areas. Its other distinguishing feature is probably that it can recognize individual faces of wasps, an ability that aids in maintaining social cohesion in the colony. The nests of these are made in the traditional umbrella shape, and these wasps are very non-aggressive, though they may attack if you approach their nest. Just like other wasps, they are also good at the natural pest control of insects.
Paper Wasp vs Yellow Jacket
Knowing the differences between the paper wasps and yellow jackets is in everyone`s best interest concerning safety and pest control. These wasp have a slender body with long legs and have a more defined waist, while yellow jackets appear stockier with compact bodies. These wasps build open nests in an umbrella-like shape, usually under eaves or tree limbs, but yellow jackets build enclosed nests underground or in wall voids. In general, yellow jackets are much more aggressive and territorial. Both can sting, but yellow jackets do so much more readily without provocation. These wasps, conversely, typically will avoid fighting unless their nest is threatened.
| Feature | Paper Wasp | Yellow Jacket |
|---|
| Appearance | Slender body, long legs, with reddish or brown hues and yellow markings | Stockier body, shorter legs, bold black and yellow stripes |
| Nest Type | Open, umbrella-shaped nests with exposed cells, usually under eaves or branches | Enclosed, ball-shaped nests, often underground or in wall cavities |
| Aggressiveness | Generally non-aggressive unless provoked | Highly aggressive, especially when defending nest |
| Diet | Feeds on nectar and small insects | Scavengers; feed on sugary substances, meat, and insects |
| Sting | Painful but less likely to sting | Painful, multiple stings possible, often without warning |
| Social Behavior | Smaller colonies (dozens) | Large colonies (hundreds to thousands) |
| Pollination Role | Good pollinators | Moderate pollinators but more scavenger-oriented |
Stung By Paper Wasp
In case you were stung, you will feel a lot of immediate sharp pain and burning all around the affected area with swelling and redness appearing shortly after. The affected area will become itchy and warm upon touching. Although sting is less severe than that of a yellow jacket, it does denote some discomfort.
