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PEST LIBRARY / WASPS & HORNETS / PAPER WASPS

PAPER WASPS INFORMATION & FACTS

(Polistes spp. and Mischocyttarus flavitarsis)

‘Umbrella wasp’, is a common term used to refer to ‘paper wasp’, because their nests resemble the shape of an inverted umbrella. Paper wasps earned their true name from the paper-like material they make from wood fiber and their saliva, which they use to build their nests out of.

Paper wasps are semi-social and live in small colonies, with a cast system. They eat nectar, as well as other insects, like flies and caterpillars. Unlike other species of wasps and hornets, paper wasps may re-use an old nest. Paper wasps are medium to large in size (16k-20 mm), have 6 legs, and are brown in colour, with yellow markings. There are some species with red markings. They are not aggressive, however if provoked or disturbed, or if they feel their nest is being threatened, they will give a painful sting.

Umbrella wasp nests are comprised of only a single comb with brood cells (individual compartments for their young). There is no paper covering around them. Nests are often built in residential yards, found hanging from branches of trees and shrubs, fences, porch ceilings, window frames, door frames, soffits, eaves, chimneys, vents and decks (railings and board joists). Indoors, nests are commonly hung from attic rafters and cathedral-style ceilings.

A paper wasp colony begins in the spring, when a fertilized female emerges from overwintering, to initiate the next generation of wasps, and rule as queen. As she builds the new nest, she lays a single egg inside each cell. Once her larvae hatch, she will care for them until they mature into infertile female workers, who will fulfill the worker role to expand the nest, forage for food, care for the queen (who continues to lay eggs to build the population), and the young.

In late summer, males and fertile females are hatched, and will mate so that the next generation of paper wasps can live on. All paper wasps die in the winter, except for the fertilized females who overwinter.

Interestingly, in a paper wasp colony, if the queen dies, the next most aggressive female worker wasp will take over as queen. While she has not been fertilized, she will lay unfertilized eggs, which will hatch as male paper wasps. As well, queens that are unsuccessful in starting their own new colony, will ‘join’ another. As a joiner, she will submit to the founding queen and fulfill the duties of a worker. If something were to happen to the founding queen, the joiner could rein as new queen since she is fertilized. There have been rare cases when the joiner has dominated the founding queen and taken over the colony. In these cases, the founding queen becomes a worker to the new queen.

If you come across a paper wasp nest, do not attempt to knock it down. In addition to the increased chances of being stung, paper wasps will re-build it. Pest Control for these wasps is to eliminate the wasps themselves.

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Trevor Dixon
3 weeks ago

I want to thank Sarah! She really did a amazing inspection! I had a issue with mice. Sarah cover the inside and outside taking care of holes/gaps above the front and back doors. attics and garage. And has a very caring attitude towards her clients! I have know about Environmental Pest control for many years as they looked after issues with a school board I worked for.


Margo Dixon
3 months ago

We just had a fall treatment done at our country property. We never hesitate to call this company to protect us from ladybugs, cluster flies and more. You can count on them for punctuality, professionalism and thoroughness. Shout out to Cody who went above and beyond today: on his own accord, he brought our garbage/recycling bins to our garage door from the road and was able to retrieve a helium balloon that had floated up to the top of our cathedral ceiling. We are seniors, so these gestures of kindness were most appreciated. Highly recommend!


Sherrie Lee Hawley
5 months ago

I cannot rate this company high enough. I first talked with Thomas on the phone. He was so polite and patient with this 79 year old lady animal advocate. He talked me through everything and I made my choice of the service I desired. I got an appointment the next day. Craig was right on time and he went through everything again and made sure I understood the whole procedure. I feel I got a very fair price for the work done. Do not hesitate to call Environmental Pest Control if you need help with wasps as I did!


Heather Lundberg
3 months ago

I recently had the bait boxes refilled to avoid having mice move into my house as the weather turns colder. Mike and Jake arrived at the appointed time. Both gentlemen were polite, friendly and very professional. When they left, I contacted Kassandra to arrange payment. She was lovely, pleasant and polite, a pleasure to speak with. I have used the services of this company for years and have always been pleased.