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Paper Wasps Don’t Always Grow on Trees

October 27th, 2009 Posted in Stinging Insects

One common species of wasp in the U.S. is the paper wasp, named so for the paper-like substance their nests are made of.

These wasps are considered to be social insects, like ants, working as a group to protect and expand the nest.

This article will teach you about their:

• Paper Wasp’s Life Cycle
• Paper Wasp Nest
• Paper Wasp Stings
• Paper Wasp Control

Paper Wasp’s Life cycle

Paper wasps are born in a larvae state, legless and grub-like.

These grubs go through several phases before pupating.

Adults are between 3/4 inch to 1 inch in length and are black, brown, or reddish in color with yellow markings.

Wasps are carnivorous, meaning they feed on other insects. Common prey is the caterpillar, a regular garden pest.

As fall and winter come, paper wasps will leave their nests and die. Fertilized queens will spend winter in crevices or under treebark to stay warm until the next spring.

Paper Wasp Nest

Wasp nests commonly appear on plants or eaves of houses.

Nests will begin at one point and grow outward gradually in the shape of an umbrella.

Nests have honeycomb-shaped cells that hold the eggs and young.

These cells do not have caps to cover them, and won’t be covered until after the young has reached the pupal stage.

The nest is made of wood and plant fibers. Workers collect the fibers, mix it with saliva, and form it into the cells.

Paper Wasp Stings

Wasps are able to sting multiple times, unlike bees, who die after losing their stingers.

Wasps will not attack unless they feel threatened, so if they aren’t intruding on you, you probably won’t be stung.

Stings will cause localized swelling, redness, and pain.

When many stings or an allergic reaction occur, sever reactions can result in death.

Stings have a variety of home treatments, including:

• ice
• vinegar
• honey
• meat tenderizer
• antihistamine medicines

Paper Wasp Control

Any attempts to get rid of a nest should be done at night, when wasps are least active. They have a difficult time flying in temperatures under 50 degrees.

As an cleaner, and riskier, way to get rid of the nest is to cover it with a large plastic bag. Put the bag in ice or leave it in the sun for several days. The extreme temperatures will kill

If the nest is built inside, weather in the building or built into the walls, don’t seal the entrance to the nest until you are sure all of the wasps are dead. Otherwise, they may be forced into your home.

Because wasps die off in the fall, a nest found late in the season may not need any attention. Wasps do not reuse nests.

However, old wasp nests will attract other pests, such as carpet beetles, creating a new pest problem.

A great all-natural way to get rid of them is EcoSMART’s wasp spray. Their eco-friendly formula is a safe and effective way to get rid of wasps and hornets without harming your garden, children, or pets.