PAPER WASPS
PAPER WASPS
Paper wasps are a species of social wasp, commonly confused with the more aggressive yellow jacket. They are found all over the US but Utah especially has become the home of the European species – Polistes dominula.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A PAPER WASP
- They appear more slender than yellowjackets and grow to 0.75 inches (19mm) long.
- Paper wasps can be black with yellow bands and a whitish face but some species are more reddy brown.
- They have long legs that hang down when they’re flying.
- Paper wasp nests are open without an outer shell covering the cells.
PAPER WASP HABITATS IN UTAH AND SALT LAKE COUNTIES
Paper wasps can be found all over Utah, preferring areas of woodland and human areas where wooden structures are plentiful. They use wood pulp and fibers to create their nests so you might find them near weathered fence posts or unpainted lumber.
ARE PAPER WASPS DANGEROUS TO HUMANS?
Paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellowjackets so it’s easier to avoid being stung by them. They will protect their nests, however, so if you get near one by accident, you may find yourself on the receiving end of some painful stings. While these aren’t usually dangerous to adult humans, if you are allergic to wasp venom, seek medical attention.
Paper wasps are pollinators and hunt smaller pests and bugs for prey so can be seen as a welcome addition to the garden.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A PAPER WASP NEST
Unlike bald-faced hornet and yellow jacket nests, the nest of the paper wasp is open so you can see the individual cells or combs inside. They can be attached under house eaves, inside window or door frames, under decks or even in hollow pipes. Paper wasp nests can look like umbrellas, giving them their other name of “umbrella wasp.” The nests are generally quite small, not exceeding 100 wasps each. Queen paper wasps will hibernate over the winter and start a new nest each spring.
HOW TO GET RID OF PAPER WASPS
To prevent paper wasps from nesting around your home, there are a few steps you can follow:
- Ensure any exterior holes or cracks are sealed up to prevent paper wasps from building a nest inside your attic or wall cavities.
- Consider repainting or varnishing exterior wooden surfaces to make it harder for the paper wasps to attach a nest.
- Thin out branches from bushes, especially those near your home.
- Make sure your window screens are tight-fitting.
- If you find remnants of a previous paper wasp nest, clean the area thoroughly to discourage them from nesting there again.
If there is a paper wasp nest in a high traffic area of your property, it could pose a risk to you and your family. Contact H2 Pest Control for professional and safe wasp nest removal anywhere in Salt Lake or Utah County. We can identify which wasp you’ve got a problem with, leading to the most effective solutions.
