Polistes spp.
Stinging Insect
3/4 to 1 inch
Brown with yellow or red markings, long dangling legs in flight
Workers 12 to 22 days, queens 1 year
About the Paper Wasp
Paper wasps are slender, long-legged wasps that build small umbrella-shaped paper nests under eaves, on porch ceilings, in mailboxes, and inside grill lids. Paper wasp colonies are small (20 to 75 workers) compared to yellow jackets. Paper wasps are less aggressive unless the nest is directly threatened.
Habits & Behavior
Paper wasps build open-faced hexagonal paper nests attached by a single stem. Nests are visible and usually reachable. Workers forage for caterpillars and nectar. Queens overwinter inside attics, sheds, and under siding, then emerge in April to start new nests.
Signs of a Paper Wasp Infestation
Umbrella-shaped gray paper nest hanging from eaves, porch ceilings, or mailbox interiors
Wasps flying with long dangling legs (distinguishing feature)
Small open-faced hexagonal cells visible on the nest
10 to 75 wasps on a single nest by late summer
Queens crawling inside attics or behind siding in fall seeking overwintering sites
Paper Wasp Pressure in Michigan
Paper wasps build nests on nearly every Michigan home between May and September. Homes with covered porches, deck overhangs, and attached garages see the heaviest paper wasp activity. Nests must be removed before they mature to avoid stinging incidents near high-traffic entry doors.
How BTR Treats Paper Wasp Infestations
BTR uses aerosol contact spray applied directly to the nest at dusk, followed by removal of the empty nest. Multiple nests on a property are treated in one visit. Same-day emergency service. 30-day warranty on professional wasp removal.
Prevention Tips
Inspect eaves, porch ceilings, and covered entries weekly in May and June. Remove small nests before they mature by spraying when fewer than 10 wasps are present. Seal gaps in siding and soffits to prevent queen overwintering sites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Wasps
Are paper wasps dangerous?
Paper wasps sting defensively when the nest is directly threatened. Their sting is painful but rarely life-threatening. People with insect sting allergies should never approach a paper wasp nest. BTR provides safe professional removal.
Can I knock down a small paper wasp nest myself?
Only if the nest has fewer than 5 wasps, is within reach, and you have aerosol wasp spray. Treat at dusk from a safe distance of 6 to 10 feet. Never attempt removal of nests with 10 or more wasps. Never remove a nest by hand.
How do paper wasps differ from yellow jackets?
Paper wasps are longer and slimmer with dangling legs in flight. Yellow jackets are shorter and stockier with tucked legs. Paper wasps build visible umbrella nests; yellow jackets build enclosed ball nests or underground colonies. Paper wasp colonies are much smaller (20 to 75) than yellow jacket colonies (4,000+).
Do paper wasps pollinate?
Paper wasps are minor pollinators, but they primarily hunt caterpillars to feed larvae. They provide some garden pest control. However, nests near entry doors, play areas, and windows should be professionally removed for safety.
Will removing the nest attract more paper wasps?
No. Empty paper wasp nests are never reused. Removing nests after treatment prevents overwintering queens from establishing the following spring in the same location.
Paper Wasp Problem? BTR Can Help Today
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