Paper Wasps

Identifying Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are medium-sized stinging insects, usually ½ to 1 inch long. They have slender bodies, long legs that dangle in flight, and two pairs of transparent wings with a smoky tint. Their bodies are typically reddish-brown or brown with yellow or orange markings. Because of these markings, many people confuse them with yellow jackets, but paper wasps are slimmer and less compact.

What Paper Wasp Nests Look Like

The easiest way to spot a paper wasp colony is by finding its umbrella-shaped nest. These nests are made from a papery pulp that the wasps create by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva. Each nest has open hexagonal cells and hangs from a single thin stalk.

Unlike a yellow jacket’s nest, which may be underground or hidden inside wall voids, paper wasps prefer to build aerial nests in open, sheltered areas. Around Phoenix homes, nests are commonly found under roof eaves, porch ceilings, tree branches, attics, or in sheds.

Are Paper Wasps Common in Phoenix?

Yes, paper wasps are common in the Phoenix area, especially during the warmer months. Paper wasps focus on building nests and foraging for food from spring to fall. They tend to be less active in winter. 

Life Cycle of Paper Wasps in Arizona

Understanding the paper wasp's life cycle makes it easier to understand why they appear around homes at certain times of year.

• ‍Spring: Nest Building Begins
  ‍In early spring, fertilized queens emerge from overwintering sites such as attics, tree bark, or wall voids. The queen begins nest building on her own, chewing wood fibers into a pulp to form the first cells of an umbrella-shaped nest. She lays her first eggs here, which soon develop into larvae.
• ‍Summer: Colonies Grow
  ‍Once the first brood of workers matures, they take over most of the foraging and nest expansion duties. Summer is when nests proliferate, often expanding into noticeable aerial nests under eaves, sheds, or tree branches. By mid-to-late summer, colonies are at their largest, and it’s also when homeowners are most likely to notice increased activity.
• Fall: New Queens and Decline
  ‍As fall arrives, colonies produce new queens and males. After mating, these queens seek protected places to overwinter. The remaining workers and the old queen die off as temperatures cool.
• Winter: Dormancy
  Paper wasps don’t stay active in winter in Phoenix, but abandoned umbrella-shaped nests often remain visible. While paper wasps don’t reuse nests, their presence is a reminder to check your home for potential nesting spots before spring begins again.

Paper Wasps vs. Yellow Jackets: Key Differences

Paper wasps and yellow jackets are often confused with one another. Both are stinging insects, build nests and appear around Phoenix homes. But there are some key differences:

• ‍Appearance
  Paper wasps are slender with long legs that dangle in flight. Yellow jackets are stockier, with a more compact build.
• Nest Type
  Paper wasps create open, umbrella-shaped nests with visible hexagonal cells, usually in aerial locations like eaves, trees, or porch ceilings. Yellow jackets, on the other hand, typically build their nests enclosed in a papery covering. A yellow jacket’s nest is often hidden underground, inside wall voids, or in attics, making it harder to spot.
• Aggression
  Paper wasps will sting to defend their nests, but aren’t usually aggressive if left alone. Yellow jackets, however, are much more defensive and will readily swarm when disturbed.
• Seasonal Activity
  Both wasps are most active in summer and early fall, but yellow jackets are especially problematic at late-season outdoor events since they’re strongly attracted to meats, sugary drinks, and garbage.

Knowing the difference helps homeowners understand what kind of stinging insect they’re dealing with and why safe nest removal is necessary.

Why Paper Wasps Are a Concern

Paper wasps aren’t typically aggressive unless their nest is disturbed. However, encounters are challenging to avoid when nests are built near doorways, patios, or play areas. A sting is painful and can trigger allergic reactions for some people, making these wasps a safety risk in residential settings.

The Benefits of Paper Wasps

Although they pose a risk, paper wasps aren’t all bad. They help reduce populations of caterpillars and other soft-bodied pests in gardens. They also contribute to pollination while collecting nectar. Still, the benefits don’t outweigh the risks when nests are too close to people or pets.

What Attracts Paper Wasps to Homes

Paper wasps are drawn to two things:

• ‍Shelter: protected spots like eaves, rafters, and sheds provide ideal conditions for nest building.
• Food sources: sugary drinks, fruit, nectar, and protein sources (insects) attract them, as do other stinging pests like yellow jackets.

Signs of Paper Wasps on Your Property

The most apparent sign is finding a nest. Look for umbrella-shaped aerial nests with exposed cells. If you notice wasps frequently flying to the same spot, follow their path; it often leads directly to the colony.

Paper Wasps Indoors

While they usually nest outside, paper wasps can sometimes build indoors if they find access points. Attics, garages, and wall voids may shelter a colony, making professional help especially important.

Reducing the Risk of Stings

• Stay calm if a wasp approaches; don’t swat at it.
• Avoid wearing strong floral perfumes outdoors.
• Keep food and drinks covered when eating outside.

Paper Wasp Nest Removal

Never try to knock down or spray a nest on your own. Disturbing it can cause the entire colony to attack. Professional pest control experts have the tools and protective equipment to remove nests safely.

At Termio Pest Control, we offer effective pest control services that include wasp nest removal and more. Contact us to find out how we can help you eliminate your paper wasp problem!

Why DIY Paper Wasp Nest Removal Is Risky

Grabbing a can of wasp spray and handling a nest yourself is tempting, but DIY removal is rarely safe or effective.

• ‍Immediate Aggression
  Disturbing a paper wasp nest causes the colony to go into full defense mode. Even a small umbrella-shaped aerial nest can house dozens of wasps ready to sting. Unlike bees, paper wasps can sting multiple times.
• Hidden Nests
  While some nests are easy to see, others may be tucked away in rooflines, attic corners, or hollow fence posts. Spraying one nest doesn’t guarantee there aren’t others nearby.
• Limited Effectiveness of Store-Bought Sprays
  Aerosol sprays may kill some wasps, but often don’t eliminate the colony, especially if eggs and larvae remain alive inside the nest. A few surviving wasps can rebuild quickly, leading to a repeat problem.
• Health Risks
  For individuals with allergies, even one sting can trigger a serious reaction. Tackling a nest without protective equipment puts you at unnecessary risk.

Because of these dangers, pest control professionals recommend leaving wasp nest removal to trained experts. Professionals have the right gear to safely remove paper wasp and yellow jacket nests, reducing the chance of painful stings and ensuring the colony doesn’t return.

Preventing Paper Wasp Nests Around Your Home

A few proactive steps can make your property less appealing to paper wasps:

• Seal cracks and gaps where wasps could enter.
• Inspect eaves, sheds, and attics regularly for early signs of nest building.
• Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your home.
• Keep outdoor trash bins tightly sealed.
• Clean up spills and food scraps quickly.
• Remove abandoned nests before spring to discourage new colonies.