Paper Wasp
Slender, long dangling legs, small open nest under eaves
Individual
Swarm
Nest / Hive
Wing / Body Pattern
What It Is
Paper wasps are social wasps in the genus Polistes, common throughout both Southern California and the Nashville area. They are wasps, not bees. Multiple species exist across both regions. Colony sizes are small, typically 20 to 100 individuals at peak. Colonies die in fall; only mated queens overwinter and start fresh colonies in spring. Size: 3/4 to 1 inch, slender build.
How to Identify
Paper wasps are slender, with a notably narrow waist. Their legs are long and dangle visibly in flight, one of the fastest in-flight identifiers. Body color is typically brown or reddish-brown with yellow markings; less bright and high-contrast than a yellowjacket. The nest is the clearest identifier. Paper wasp nests are small, open, and umbrella-shaped. The individual hexagonal cells are visible from the outside. Nests are attached by a single stalk to an overhang surface: eave boards, door frames, porch ceilings, window ledges, deck railings.
Behavior and Risk
Paper wasps are moderately defensive. They will sting if the nest is approached closely or disturbed. They are not as aggressive as yellowjackets and typically do not pursue threats far from the nest. They can sting more than once. Venom can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How to Handle
Small paper wasp nests found early in the season can be knocked down when the wasps are inactive, early morning or after dark when temperatures are cool. For larger or hard-to-reach nests, a pest control approach is appropriate. Do not approach an active nest during the day without protective equipment. Prevention: inspect eave lines, door frames, and sheltered exterior surfaces in early spring.
Paper wasps vs. yellowjackets: paper wasps are slender and brownish with long dangling legs; yellowjackets are compact, bright yellow-black, and smooth. The nest is the clearest difference: paper wasps have small open umbrella nests with visible cells; yellowjackets have enclosed paper nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paper wasps bees?
No. Paper wasps are wasps. They do not produce honey, do not build wax comb, and are not removed using bee relocation methods. Pest control is the appropriate response.
How long will a paper wasp nest last?
Colonies die in fall. Workers do not survive winter. Only mated queens overwinter and start new colonies in spring. Nests are not reused year to year, though queens may build new nests in the same area.
Can I remove a paper wasp nest myself?
Small nests with few cells can be addressed by homeowners at night using a wasp freeze spray, moving quickly away immediately after. For larger nests, nests in hard-to-reach locations, or if anyone in the household has a known allergy to wasp venom, professional pest control is the safer choice.
Does Beecasso remove paper wasps?
Paper wasps are wasps, not bees. Contact a local pest control company for paper wasp nests. If you are unsure whether you have paper wasps or bees, send us a photo and we will identify it for free.
Found a wasp nest under my eave. What do I do?
If the nest is small and early-season, it can sometimes be addressed by homeowners at night. For larger nests or if you are unsure what you have, contact a pest control company. If you think it may be bees rather than wasps, send us a photo first.