Paper Wasps

About Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are semi-social stinging insects commonly found building umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, porch ceilings, and fence rails throughout Orange County. They get their name from the papery material they create by chewing wood fibers mixed with saliva. Paper wasps are generally less aggressive than yellow jackets, but they will sting repeatedly if they feel their nest is threatened. Their slender bodies with long dangling legs distinguish them from other wasp species. While they are beneficial predators of garden caterpillars and other pests, nests near doorways, play areas, and high-traffic zones present a significant stinging hazard for residents.

How to Identify Paper Wasps

• Slender body, 3/4 to 1 inch long, with long dangling legs in flight
• Brown, reddish-brown, or yellow with variable stripe patterns
• Build open, umbrella-shaped nests with visible hexagonal cells
• Nests typically found under eaves, overhangs, railings, and in shrubs

Lifecycle

Mated queens overwinter in sheltered spots and emerge in spring to build new nests. The queen lays eggs in paper cells and raises the first generation of workers. By summer, colonies may contain 20 to 75 workers. In fall, new queens and males are produced, colonies decline, and only fertilized queens survive to the next year.

Health & Property Risks

• Sting repeatedly when their nest is disturbed or threatened
• Venom can cause severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Nests near entry points create daily hazards for residents
• Attracted to outdoor food and beverages during warm months