Paper Wasp
Slender, long dangling legs, small open umbrella nest under eaves
Individual
Swarm
Nest / Hive
Wing / Body Pattern
What It Is
Paper wasps are social wasps in the genus Polistes, common throughout Middle Tennessee. They are wasps, not bees. Several species live in the Nashville area, including native paper wasps and the introduced European paper wasp. Colonies are small, typically 20 to 100 individuals at peak. Colonies die in fall, and only mated queens overwinter to 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, with the individual hexagonal cells visible from below. Each nest hangs by a single stalk from an overhang: eave boards, door frames, porch ceilings, window ledges, and deck railings.
Behavior and Risk
Paper wasps are moderately defensive. They will sting if the nest is approached closely or disturbed, but they are not as aggressive as yellowjackets and typically do not pursue threats far from the nest. They can sting more than once, and the 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 in the morning or after dark when temperatures are cool. Larger nests, nests in hard-to-reach spots, or any situation where someone in the household has a known allergy are best left to a professional. Do not approach an active nest during the day without protection. Prevention: inspect eave lines, door frames, and sheltered exterior surfaces in early spring.
Paper wasps versus yellowjackets: paper wasps are slender and brownish with long dangling legs, while yellowjackets are compact, bright yellow-black, and smooth. The nest is the clearest difference: paper wasps build small open umbrella nests with visible cells, while yellowjackets build enclosed paper nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paper wasps bees?
No. Paper wasps are wasps. They do not produce honey or build wax comb, so they are not a live bee relocation, but Beecasso still handles wasp nests. If you have one on your home, send us a photo.
How long will a paper wasp nest last?
Colonies die in fall, and 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?
A small, early-season nest with few cells can sometimes be knocked down by a homeowner at night, moving away immediately afterward. For larger nests, nests in hard-to-reach spots, or any household with a known wasp allergy, let a professional handle it. Beecasso can take care of it. Send us a photo.
Does Beecasso remove paper wasps?
Yes. Beecasso handles wasp and hornet nests in addition to bees. If you are not sure 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?
Keep your distance, especially during the day when the nest is active. Send us a photo and we will identify it and tell you how we handle it. If you think it may be bees rather than wasps, the photo settles that too.