Paper Wasp
Our remedy for paper wasp control
First, contact us. Paper wasp nests are usually easily controlled using a wasp treatment product, then knocking down the nest. Such treatments are best done at night, although professionals can safely treat them during the day. On buildings where continuous paper wasp nest building occurs, treatment of the affected areas with a residual pest control product applied by a professional can deter most of the activity.
Check out our solutions for preventative stinging insect control!
How to Identify a Paper Wasp
Appearance
Brownish with yellow markings; most species are about 1″ long.
Habitat
Paper wasps are easily identified by their nest—a round, upside-down paper cone that hangs from a horizontal surface in a protected location. Most paper wasp nests are located in exposed areas beneath soffits, in the corners of windows, under awnings, under porches and beneath decks. Paper wasps often enter attics through holes in the soffits, attic vent screens and underneath shingles.
Diet
Paper wasps are predators and feed on insects, spiders and caterpillars.
Is This Your Critter?
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FAQs About Paper Wasps in Northfield
What Does a Paper Wasp Look Like?
While sharing many physical characteristics with other types of wasps, paper wasps possess a distinctive appearance. They have long, slender bodies that are brownish in color with red or yellow markings and pinched waists. Their smokey-black-colored wings allow them to fly as they travel in search of food. Adults can range in size from about 0.5 to 1.5 inches long. Paper wasps are common across the United States, including Northfield, Lombard, Chicago, Rockford, Wheeling, IL, and Racine, WI.
Are Paper Wasps Dangerous for Humans?
While away from their nest, paper wasps are generally considered less aggressive. However, they may sting if trapped, threatened, or touched. If their nest is disturbed, paper wasps will defend it vigorously. They will release a pheromone, which alerts others in the nest to help protect against the intruder.
Do Paper Wasp Stings Hurt?
Paper wasps can sting multiple times. When a paper wasp stings, it injects venom into the skin, which can cause immediate pain, redness, swelling, and itching. The discomfort from a sting typically lasts for several hours and can vary in intensity depending on individual pain tolerance and whether the person has been stung multiple times. A paper wasp sting can be deadly for those who are allergic if they don’t receive proper medical treatment.
What Do Paper Wasps Eat?
Paper wasps primarily subsist on nectar from flowers. However, they can be drawn to raw meat and anything sweet, including sodas and fruit left out during a BBQ. They’re also predatory insects. Paper wasp larvae are fed a variety of outdoor pests, such as caterpillars, flies, and beetle larvae collected by adult wasps. Worker wasps also can be found scraping wood from downed trees, your home, and fences to help build their nests. While the damage is typically minimal, it can be irritating for homeowners.
Are Paper Wasps Social Insects?
Yes. Like many other wasp species, paper wasps have a large and complex caste system made up of a queen, workers, and drones.
How Large Can Paper Wasp Nests Become?
Paper wasps get their name by chewing wood fibers from trees, home siding, and fences, turning it into a paper-like pulp to build their nests. Unlike other types of wasps’ nests, paper wasps have an entirely open nest system, allowing you to see each hexagonal cell. Paper wasps’ nests can typically be relatively small, housing about a dozen wasps. However, if left undisturbed, the nest can grow about 8 inches in diameter, roughly the size of a bowling ball, and can contain up to 100 paper wasps.
How Can I Prevent Paper Wasps From Building a Nest?
Paper wasps have been known to build their nest almost anywhere, including in shrubs, tree branches, fences, under decks, and below eaves. So, taking the necessary precautions to discourage them from building a nest near your home is essential. Here are steps you can take to protect your property better:
- Seal any cracks, holes, or gaps in your home’s exterior.
- Eliminate food sources and nesting materials, such as downed trees, from your yard.
- Remove debris, which are common nesting sites.
- Keep drinks and meats covered while outdoors.
What Should I Do If There’s a Nest on My Property?
If you discover a paper nest (or any other type of wasp nest) around your home, the best option is to call a professional for removal. Attempting to remove the nest on your own can be dangerous, especially for those allergic to wasp stings, and may not completely remove the issue. Our technicians can accurately identify the pest and take the necessary steps to remove it altogether.
Are Paper Wasps Beneficial for the Environment?
Yes. All types of wasps, including paper wasps, are an integral part of the environment. They are pollinators and act as a natural pest control solution for your garden by eating certain invasive insects. You probably have nothing to worry about if you notice a singular paper wasp in your garden. Only when their nest appears near where people gather can they become a safety concern.
We had wasps and now they’re gone
“Gary was very efficient and thorough. You are luck to have such a good employee. We had wasps and hornets and they are all gone!”
Rita B. | Homeowner in Lombard
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