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What are Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps have brown bodies with yellow markings, six long legs, and a pair of antennae that stick out from the front of their heads. Adults range in length from 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch. Their diet consists of nectar and small insects. Paper wasp identification can be tricky, since they look similar to other stinging insects, but they tend to have longer bodies and more muted colors than yellow jackets and hornets.
Paper wasps get their name from the umbrella-shaped nests they create from a paper-like material made of wood fibers and saliva. Their nests range in size from around three to ten inches in diameter, usually growing larger as the season progresses and their colony grows. They are considered to be only semi-social insects and live together in small colonies.
Are Paper Wasps Dangerous?
Paper wasps are not considered to be a very aggressive species, but they do have the ability to sting, and therefore are considered dangerous. Paper wasps generally only sting when they or their nest is being threatened. They do not lose their stinger like bees do, so they can sting multiple times. For most people, this will cause pain and swelling at the site of the sting. However, for others, the venom from a paper wasp sting can cause a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Why Do I Have a Paper Wasp Problem?
Paper wasps can build their nests on the branches of trees and shrubs, porch ceilings, door frames, soffits, eaves, inside of attics, and under decks. Any of these areas allow easy access to your home. If they are around the entrances to your home, paper wasps can also become a nuisance as you try to enter and exit your house. After breeding during the fall months, female paper wasps seek warm areas inside homes and other buildings to overwinter.
How Do I Get Rid of Paper Wasps?
When you find a paper wasp nest on your property, you’ll want to remove it. However, paper wasps and other stinging insects should only be removed from your home and property with the help of professionals. Getting rid of a nest on your own can be dangerous, as paper wasps swarm and sting en masse when they feel that their home is being threatened. At All-American Pest Control, we offer pest control services for paper wasps through our Perimeter Plus Pest Control or Green Choice Pest Control programs. We can safely and fully remove your paper wasp problem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get Rid of Paper Wasps Myself?
The safest and most effective way to completely and quickly eliminate a paper wasp infestation is by getting help from a professional pest control expert. Most homeowners don’t have the proper equipment and materials to safely remove a paper wasp nest without the risk of getting stung, likely multiple times. If you need help getting rid of paper wasps in or around your home, contact the professionals at All-American Pest Control today.
Why Choose All-American Pest Control?
Taking care of pest problems is All-American’s job, and we’re really good at it. For over 60 years, we’ve been perfecting the art of pest control by using the best science-backed methods. Our trained professionals will address your paper wasp problem with professionalism and care, ensuring the nest is fully removed.
We offer a variety of treatment plans to meet your needs. Our Perimeter Plus program covers 47 different pests, including stinging insects. It provides the year-round protection your home needs to remain pest-free. With All-American Pest Control, you’ll receive effective wasp control and removal services, a serious commitment, and thorough treatments from our trained pest control experts in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
How Can I Prevent a Paper Wasp Problem in the Future?
Paper wasps are creatures of habit. They show up at particular times of the year, build their nests in certain areas, and are most active around the same time each season. Because of this, it’s easy to identify ways to prevent these pests from invading your yard. Try these tips to avoid a paper wasp problem on your property:
- Look for the start of nests in early spring and knock them down during the day when the female is away.
- Remove attractants from your property to lessen the chances of paper wasps building nests on your property. Attractants include:
- Meats and other proteins
- Sweets, such as sugary drinks
- Flowers
- Reduce water sources and moisture around your property.
If you find a nest on your property, get in touch with All-American Pest Control to take care of it safely.
