Pest Profiles:
Paper Wasps

PAPER WASPS are 0.75 to 1.00 in. (1.9 cm to 2.5 cm) in length and have slender, spindle shaped abdomens. They have long legs that hang down when they fly. They come in various colors (yellow, brown, black and/or red). Mostly active during the day, paper wasps prey on garden pests such as caterpillars and flies.

 

CAUTION: These wasps aggressively deliver painful stings when a person or animal goes near their nest. Paper wasps are capable of stinging multiple times, usually causing localized pain and swelling. If a person or pet is allergic, THEIR STINGS CAN BE LETHAL.

 

To build their water-resistant nests, paper wasps gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems and mix this with their saliva. Nests are sometimes shaped like an upside-down umbrella. The nests are a gray or brown paper-like material (or whatever color they’ve pulled fibers from). Anchored by a constricted stalk, nests are built with open combs in which the wasps rear their young.

 

Nests can be found in trees and bushes around your yard. Paper wasps will build in, around, and under decks, gazebos, and children’s play structures. Seeking any spot that will offer protection, paper wasp nests can be found in attics, decks, porches, railings, under your eaves, in corners, overhangs, barbecue grills or hibachis, lighting, mailboxes, etc.

 

FAST FACTS: PAPER WASPS

• They aggressively sting, and the stings are painful.

• Capable of stinging multiple times.

• Paper wasp stings can be lethal if a person or pet is allergic.

• Nests look like paper and are made out of bits of wood or plants. They have open combs and are sometimes shaped like an upside-down umbrella.

• The paper wasp stinger is actually a modified egg laying structure found only on female wasps.

 

NOTE: Annual wasp problems are likely to occur if the issue isn’t properly taken care of.

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WHAT’S MY NEXT STEP?

Contact Protek Pest Control today to protect yourself and your property from paper wasps and other stinging insects!  We serve all of Western New York and surrounding areas.

 

We are available 24 hours a day to respond to all your pest and insect problems.