Paper Wasps: Proactive Tips for a Sting Free Home

Introduction

Have you ever noticed a small, papery-looking nest next to your door but did nothing about it? Sooner or later, that small nest is twice as large and full of at-the-ready wasps, waiting for someone to dare and use your front door!

While paper wasps are one of the less aggressive wasps we have in Missouri, it doesn’t mean they aren’t any less intimidating. Paper wasps are semi-social wasps that create upside-down umbrella nests under the cover of your eaves, your porch, or anywhere they can find some shelter.

These wasps chew up food fibers and mix it with their saliva to create a paper-like substance that they use to create their nests. While their nests can be a nuisance to homeowners, they can be a help to gardeners. Adult female wasps will forage for pest caterpillars, flies, or even beetle larvae. They then chew it up and feed it to their larvae.

Understanding these creatures and how to manage their presence can help you keep your home safe without losing your cool. Let’s learn more about how to identify paper wasps and keep them away from your home this year.

Identification of Paper Wasps

Identification

Paper wasps are relatively easy to identify, both by their appearance and their nests. Adult paper wasps are slender, with a narrow “waist” and long legs that dangle down while they fly. They can be brown, black, or reddish in color, often with yellow markings. This can depend on the species of paper wasp that you are dealing with.

The nests they build are unlike other wasp nests. Made from a paper-like material, the nests have a characteristic open comb structure, where the cells are exposed and face downward. These nests are usually found in protected areas like under eaves, in attics, or attached to tree branches. Unlike some other wasps or bees, paper wasps do not cover their nests with an outer shell so that you can see into each cell.

Life Cycle

Each nest starts with a single queen who will overwinter during the colder months of the year. She emerges and starts a colony around April, and she begins building the nest. After she has laid her first eggs, she then forages for food.

The first larvae to grow into adults will all be female, and they will assist the queen with larval care and foraging. Males aren’t produced until late summer.

Once fall hits, and the weather turns cold, the workers and old queen will die. Any newly fertilized queens will hibernate in some sheltered area, and the whole cycle starts over again.

Preventing and Controlling Paper Wasps in and Around Your Home

Getting a head start on preventing paper wasps from establishing a nest near your home is always best.

You can do this by checking around your home, especially under eaves, in attics, and other sheltered areas, for early signs of nest building. Remove small nests before they grow any bigger. You can do this by knocking them down with a broom, spraying them with a hose, or using wasp spray. Just remember to do this when the wasps are either away or not very active.

To prevent any wasps from getting inside your home, ensure that gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and rooflines are sealed. This not only prevents wasps but also other pests from entering your home.

If you notice a large nest with lots of wasps, it may be best to contact a pest control professional to eliminate the nest for you. This can be especially helpful if you have an allergy to stings.

FAQs

How can I tell a paper wasp apart from a yellow jacket?

Paper wasps are generally slimmer with long legs that dangle during flight, while yellow jackets are more robust with shorter legs and are typically more aggressive. Yellow jackets are more likely to build their nests underground.

What should I do if I find a paper wasp nest near my home?

If the nest is small and away from high-traffic areas, you might consider leaving it alone, as paper wasps can help control other pests. However, if the nest is in a place that could result in a sting, it’s best to remove it using safe methods or contact a professional.

Are paper wasps dangerous?

While paper wasps are not typically aggressive, they will defend their nests if they feel threatened. Their stings can be painful, and multiple stings can be dangerous, especially for those with allergies.

Why Choose Pest Pro Solutions for Spider Control

Calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep paper wasps away from your home.

Whether you need an inspection, monitoring, or effective treatments, you’re just a call away from getting a pest-free home.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!