What Are Paper Wasps?

Like most wasps, paper wasps have a slender, narrow waist. These particular wasps are brown with yellow or reddish-brown markings.

Paper wasps have smokey black wings which fold lengthwise when at rest. Adults grow to be 1/2 to one inch in length. A type of stinging insect, paper wasps have a stinger extending from the abdomen used to both hunt prey with or as a means of defense.

Due to their ability to sting us, our children, and pets, paper wasps are always unwanted when they decide to move into our yards and invade our personal space.

Paper Wasp Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are paper wasps dangerous?

Paper wasps are beneficial pests and are responsible for some pollination. They also feed on and help to control populations of nuisance insects. However, when paper wasps decide to place a nest in our yards or homes, the benefits of their presence are outweighed by the dangers they pose.

Paper wasps have smooth stingers and can deliver multiple, venom-filled stings. It's dangerous when they live on your property. Paper wasps make it difficult for you to enjoy your backyard without worrying about suffering from a nasty sting.

Territorial by nature, paper wasps are dangerous pests when they live close to your home. They protect themselves and their nest by delivering multiple painful stings. If paper wasps decide to build a nest in a less than ideal area of your property, like under your deck or an entryway of your home, it will increase your chances of being stung.

Paper wasp venom is strong enough to trigger reactions for those with allergies. A reaction may range from mild swelling at the sting site to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Why do I have a paper wasp problem?

Paper wasps will utilize any outdoor space that provides them with a sheltered area to nest. They prefer to build nests on properties with ample sources of food and easy access to water.

Our yards often provide the perfect place for paper wasps to nest. They like to nest on man-made structures. Our gardens, trees, shrubs, bushes, and even trashcans provide places for paper wasps and their prey (insects) to forage for food.

Where will I find paper wasps?

Paper wasps are often identified by the shape and material of their nests. A paper wasp creates its nest from a paper-like material made of saliva, bark, and other plant materials.

The inside of a nest has multiple single cells attached by a single stem. The nest looks like an upside-down umbrella or a strawberry.

Paper wasps place their nests up off of the ground in sheltered areas, usually on or near manmade structures.

Here are some places you may find a nest:

• Rooflines
• Porch ceilings
• Under decks, porches, or patios
• Garage or barn rafters
• Doorways

How do I get rid of paper wasps?

Dealing with paper wasps on your own is never recommended. Reaching out to an experienced professional is the best choice when it comes to getting rid of paper wasps from your Dallas property.

We know that dealing with stinging pests is stressful and dangerous. Therefore, we provide our customers with fast response times. We will solve your paper wasp problem quickly using the latest and most effective products. After we leave, you can rest assured knowing that your paper wasp problem is a thing of the past. You can enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about the threat of being stung.

To learn more about our stinging insect control services, reach out to the Dallas pest professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite today!

How can I prevent paper wasps in the future?

Prevent problems with paper wasps by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Seal any crevices you discover in your home’s exterior walls, foundation, or behind door or window frames to stop paper wasps from moving into your home.
• Make sure screens in windows and doors are intact and tight-fitting.
• Paper wasps will forage for food in open containers of trash. Make sure to keep tight-fitting lids on both trashcans and recycling bins.
• Keep outdoor eating areas and spaces around grills free of food debris.
• If you have fruit trees, make sure to harvest the fruit and pick up any that has fallen to the ground.
• Avoid overplanting flowering vegetation on your property.
• Keep gardens and lawns well maintained and free of overgrowing vegetation.