North America is home to over 22 species of paper wasps. They are temperamental insects that live near humans because it’s where they get what they need to build their nests. Paper wasps are brownish in color with yellow markings with a few species having reddish colored markings. They have the wasp-shape with long legs and measure 5/8”-3/4”. They are found throughout the United States. They live in small colonies and are semi-social. Paper wasps are not aggressive by nature but will sting if they are disturbed or their nest becomes threatened. There are species of paper wasps that can release an “attack pheromone” if the nest is threatened. This will cause a massive attack to anyone around the nest and will lead to multiple painful stings. The sting of a paper wasp is painful with the same risks associated with other insect stings and can cause allergic reactions. A-Tex Pest Management delve more into stinging insects below.
How Many Paper Wasp are in a Hive or Nest?
A paper wasp colony usually contains several to several dozen inhabitants. The colony will be founded in early spring after the queens emerge from hibernation. By summer the nest of a paper wasp can be quite large and can reach a width of 6-8 inches. Paper wasps will gather fibers from wood and plant stems that they mix with their saliva to construct water-resistant nests made of brown or gray papery material. They are also called umbrella wasps because of the shape of their unique nests. They will lay eggs in these paper cones and will guard them ferociously-they are not friendly bugs! If they think their queen is under attack they will defend the nest at any cost.
How Do You Keep Paper Wasps Away?
Paper wasps are beneficial because they assist in pollination by feeding on nectar, and they help control the insect population when they feed them to the larvae but his in no way makes it okay to allow them to build their nests near your home. They like to build their nests in residential backyards so before you start any work in your yard, check to make sure you don’t have any nests. Wood fences and deck railing can be treated with repellant oil to deter paper wasps from getting the cellulose they need from the wood for their nests. If you should find the nest of paper wasps, try and stay calm if they start to become active around you and avoid swatting at them. Make sure you prevent anyone from getting around the nest and give them lots of room so they don’t feel threatened.
Stinging Insect Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
When the weather gets cold, the queen will die and the nest will be abandoned. If possible, you can ignore the nest. If members of your family are allergic to the venom of stinging insects you can’t avoid encounters with the nest of paper wasps. There’s a high probability you will get stung if you attempt to remove a paper wasp nest from your property. If the nest can’t be ignored, you will need to have professionals come in to remove it. Give A-Tex Pest Management a call if you’re dealing with paper wasps or other stinging insects on your property.
