Paper Wasps

The Paper Wasp gets its name from its paper-like nest. Sometimes they are also called umbrella wasps. It can produce a very painful sting and some people can be very allergic to this.

HOW TO IDENTIFY PAPER WASPS

Yellow Jackets, Honey Bees, Hornets and Wasps instill fear in many people. In the residential setting, the Paper Wasp is one of the most feared. This comes from its burning sting. The Paper Wasp is slightly longer than the Yellow Jacket - 5/8 to 3/4 inches long. Their nests are made of paper and are dusty brown to gray in color with up to 250 cells. The cells are pointed downward and are easily visible as the wasps work the nest. The nest is comprised of one open tier with its cells exposed, and secured about 1/2" from an overhang or deck rail, etc. The paper top serves as a covering and it is umbrella shaped. The wasp nests are usually first seen in the spring with one queen that starts building the nest.

THE BIOLOGY AND HABITS OF PAPER WASPS

The Paper Wasps are semi-social insects that live in small to moderately-sized colonies. In the spring, overwintering fertilized queens start to build nests.

The initial queen can be joined by other fertilized queens and the founding queen's purpose is to lay eggs. The other secondary queens take over the duties of maintenance for the nest. The nest is never enclosed and the comb is easily seen beneath the nest.

A single egg is laid in the cell and is capped when the larva is ready to pupate. Most nests are not reused another year. If this nest is disturbed by brushing against a bush or by vibrations on a deck, such as children playing on a play set etc., the wasps will attack and sting to defend what is perceived as a threat.

In the fall fertilized females will seek a spot to overwinter. These overwintering spots can consist of cracks and crevices that provide entrance to attic and wall areas in a structure.

Once in the attic areas, in the winter or spring there is an unseasonably warm day, the overwintering queens may wander into living spaces. These wasps, while a nuisance, are also beneficial because they are predators on other insects, especially damaging garden caterpillars.

WHERE DO YOU SEE PAPER WASPS?

You will first start to notice them when spring comes. The first sightings will be overhangs and porch areas. They can also be noticed flying around the home looking for a good location to start to build their nest.

Do It Yourself ways to reduce the possibility of wasps in the home: You want to make sure that all eaves are caulked to prevent overwintering wasps into the attic areas. Also check all bathroom vents to confirm that they are working properly and to prevent penetration into the pipe leading to the bathroom. Also make sure all areas at the roof line are sealed to prevent entrance into the attic and eaves.

Repair or install tight-fitting screens on windows, doors, gables, foundation and soffit vents
Install weather stripping and door sweeps
Seal gaps around doors and windows
Seal all siding with good exterior caulk
Repair any dryer and bathroom vents
Repair foundation cracks
Seal around HVAC systems
Seek professional assistance and a pest prevention plan

Ways to reduce Wasp stings:

Be very aware of streams of Wasps coming and going
Do not try to agitate or play with them
Use a professional to eliminate the nest or colony

Economy Exterminators Pest Prevention Plus program uses the 4 step approach to solve your Wasps pest problem:

Our 1st step is the inspection of the property by a Customer Service Representative. The Wasp sting can be very painful and even dangerous.
The 2nd step would be the initial treatment by a Customer Service Representative. Usual critical areas would be ground decks, eaves, handrails, attics (for overwintering wasps), and dryer and bath vents. Our Pest Prevention Plus program treatment includes the treatment for these Wasps .
The 3^rd step is a 37 point inspection of your property to identify areas on your property that give easy access of the Wasps to your property.
The 4^th step would be our ongoing maintenance program.

Choose Economy Exterminators for your comprehensive, professional and proven effective pest management program, Pest Prevention Plus.

Take the first step today and Schedule a Free Pest Inspection.


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