Paper Wasps

What do paper wasps look like?

Paper wasps have a pinched waist and long, thin legs that hang down below their body as they fly. Paper wasps have gray wings, and bodies that are black or brown with yellow and/or orange markings. Adults grow to between 1/2 of an inch and 1 inch in length. Paper wasps have a smooth stinger, and while they are not particularly aggressive, they will sting in order to defend themselves or their colony.

Where are paper wasps found?

Paper wasps build their nests up off of the ground. Their nests are commonly found in Quad City hanging from trees, shrubs, porches, decks, roof soffits, and door frames. They are referred to as "paper" wasps because of the paper-like material that they create to make their tan, umbrella-shaped nests. Paper wasps make their nests from a mixture of chewed wood and their saliva, attaching each honeycomb shaped cell to the next until the nest is complete.

What do paper wasps eat?

The diet of paper wasps makes them environmentally important insects. Paper wasps are predatory insects in which adults and larvae both feed on a wide variety of nuisance insects and spiders, helping to keep those populations down. Adults also feed on nectar and pollen which aids in the pollination of a variety of crops, trees, and plants.

DIY paper wasp prevention and control tips

Preventing paper wasps from choosing your property to feed and nest on is almost an impossible task, but luckily there are several things that you can do to help make them want to choose someplace else to live. Here are a few prevention methods:

• Trim back shrubs and trees away from the exterior of your building.
• Place tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans.
• Place tight-fitting caps on all chimneys.
• Repair holes along rooflines, and fix any loose shingles.
• Make sure that all windows and doors have intact screens.
• Caulk any gaps or cracks found around doors and windows.