Paper Wasps

What do paper wasps look like?

Paper wasps have a pinched waist and long thin legs that dangle below their body when flying. Adults grow to be between 1/2 and 1 inch in length. Their bodies are black or brown in color and have yellow or orange markings or markings that are a combination of both yellow and orange. Their wings are grayish in color. Paper wasps are semi-social and live together in small colonies. They are often identified by their umbrella-shaped nests that they create from a paper-like material.

Are paper wasps dangerous?

Paper wasps are considered beneficial because they help reduce nuisance insect numbers by hunting them to feed their colony’s developing larvae. They also feed on nectar and pollen and are responsible for pollinating a variety of crops and plants. Despite their benefits, if paper wasps decide to build a nest in or near your home, they can become a danger to you and your family. They are not an aggressive species, but will sting if they feel they are in harm’s way, are being threatened, or are being directly handled. Their venom is strong enough to cause an allergic reaction in some people which can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

Where do paper wasps nest?

Paper wasps make their nests out of a paper-like material that they create by chewing on bark, plant stems, and leaves, mixing plant material with their saliva. Paper wasps typically place their nests up off of the ground. Their nests can be found hanging from trees, shrubs, utility poles, porches, or under rooflines, decks, and door frames. If they find their way inside a home or other building they may create a nest inside the chimney, behind exterior walls, or inside a crawl space.

Why do I have a paper wasp problem?

Paper wasps have the potential to choose any property that offers them a place to nest (trees, shrubs, buildings) and easy access to food (insects, flowering plants) and water sources (areas of standing water). Paper wasps are difficult to control and prevent because almost any property can become home to a paper wasp nest.

How do I get rid of paper wasps?

The most effective way to solve a problem you are experiencing with paper wasps is to contact a professional pest control expert. At Pro Active Pest Control, our professionals will partner with you, perform a thorough inspection, and create a tailored solution to your paper wasp problem. We use the most modern pest control methods and products possible to control paper wasps and other common pests in and around your home or business. To learn more about implementing our 100% guaranteed pest control services into your in Roseville, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Cordova, Lincoln, Rocklin, or Sacramento home or business, contact Pro Active Pest Control today.

How can I prevent future problems with paper wasps?

Preventing problems with paper wasps can be a difficult task, but there are some things you can do around your home to deter them and keep them from becoming a danger to you and your family. Trim shrubs and trees away from the exterior of your home and limit the number of flowering plants and gardens that are planted near the exterior of your home. Place tight-fitting lids on all outdoor trash cans to prevent paper wasps from foraging for food sources in them. Remove or turn over any containers that are not in use that could collect water. To keep paper wasps from finding their way into your home, we suggest placing tight-fitting caps on all chimneys, fixing loose roof shingles, repairing holes along roof lines, and making sure that all windows and doors have intact screens placed in them. It is also a good idea to caulk gaps found around windows and doors and seal cracks in the exterior walls and foundation of your home.