There’s one stinging insect out there that we all get to know sooner or later through painful experience – the paper wasp. By this time of year, some paper wasp nests are approaching the diameter of a quarter or 50-cent piece in our area – so it’s time to have a look at the lifestyle of these interesting and beneficial (but painful!) creatures…
Paper wasps are sometimes called “umbrella wasps” due to the characteristic shape of their nests. To most people, a paper wasp is a paper wasp – but there are actually more than twenty different species in North America! Common species include Polistes exclamans, which is brown with yellow markings, and Polistes carolina, which is relatively large and uniform reddish-brown. Most species have dark, almost black wings.
A nest of paper wasps – to read more, click here!
Nests of paper wasps are constructed of wood fiber that the wasps chew and form into a comb of hexagonal cells. Homeowners may sometimes observe paper wasps on wooden decks or posts, gathering wood fiber. Nests are built under eaves, in or on various structures, and on plants. The wasps are generally docile (although they may watch you carefully as you pass by!) but will aggressively defend their nests if threatened. Female wasps can sting repeatedly, while males cannot sting at all. Reactions to stings can range from localized pain and swelling to anaphylactic shock, a whole-body allergic reaction that can be deadly.
Paper wasps can sometimes elicit inexplicable behavior in people, especially adolescent males – just do a quick search on YouTube for “wasp nest.” Obviously, paper wasps on a structure represent a threat to occupants and should be dealt with accordingly. As long as nests are accessible, they are fairly easy to control. In nature, however, paper wasps are voracious predators of caterpillars and other harmful pests, and can be considered beneficial.
Stay tuned – next time, homeowner tips that you may find useful for making your home and surroundings less attractive to some common pests!