Paper wasps are a punch in ofwaspcommonly found in North America.
Their name comes from the fact that theybuild their nestsout of paper they make using wood fibers.
If you want the lowest-risk solution for paper wasps, hiring a professional is preferred.
The Spruce / Madelyn Goodnight
While paper wasps are not typically aggressive, they can sting if they feel threatened.
Warning
Wasp stings can be painful and can cause other health issues.
Exercise caution when around paper wasps and consider wearing gloves and other protective gear.
An open-faced paper wasp nest attached to an outdoor light fixture.Kbytes / iStock / GettyImages
What Do Paper Wasps Look Like?
They are easily and regularly confused with other pests, especiallyyellow jacketsandhornets.
Paper wasps are most easily identified by the nests they construct.
A pointed paper nest built by bald-faced hornetsMcBenjamen
Paper wasps make open-combed paper nests as opposed to nests that look like a large, closed ball.
Bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets both build closed paper nests.
Both can be very aggressive, so they must be handled with caution and proper skill and equipment.
A rounded yellow jacket nest that has been built around a coated cableSKatzenberger
Many companies will let you email a picture in and help identify it for you that way.
These products come in a can and can be purchased pretty much anywhere.
Just be sure to see to it to follow all label instructions.
Otherwise, you likely won’t kill the nest.
verify that what you’re seeing are paper wasps and not another throw in of pest.
Paper wasp nests are very delicate and easy to remove by disruption or scraping.
Look for visual confirmation of wasps inside, on, or coming and going from the nest.
When warm weather arrives, keep an eye on the eaves of your home.
Paper wasp nests can be scraped (or hosed) free, but will often leave residual paper behind.
This will ensure that the wasps inside (including the egg-laying queen) are dead.
When an active nest is removed, there are often foragers out when the removal occurs.
These foragers will return to the site of their nest to find it is no longer there.
The pests will often move on, but it might take a little bit of time.
verify the company is reliable, and preferably local to your area.
In most cases, expect that treatment will involve app of some jot down of insecticide.
Homeowners can scrape free and remove the nest once it is completely dead.
Any stubborn bits of paper left behind may require some more thorough cleaning.
The wasps make this material by chewing bits of plant and wood fibers.
Like yellow jackets and other stinging pests, paper wasps are black and yellow.
The tell-tale sign of a paper wasp nest is visually spotting their open-combed paper nest.
What is a Distinct Flight Path?
This is not the same as wasps or bees foraging on or around plants.
What Causes Paper Wasps?
If paper wasps are popping up around your property, there are a few potential causes.
Give paper wasps some space and observe them.
Where are they coming from?
Where are you finding them?
What is attracting them to that spot?
If their presence is bothering you, you may want to consider removing plants orwater sourcesthat are attracting them.
It could be a more aggressive pest.
