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Paper wasps are a type of wasp known for their papery nests. Often found in yards, sheds, and trees, these wasps are less aggressive than yellow jackets but do sting when disturbed. Infestations can be difficult to treat and may require professional assistance.
Paper Wasp Stings Pack a Punch
Paper wasps are a type of social wasp with a name derived from the kinds of nests they build: umbrella-shaped and wispy. They build these nests in sheltered areas like eaves, porch ceilings, and branches, scraping worn wood from trees, decks, or fences and then chewing it to create a pulp. A species dominated by females (the queen starts the nest and the first worker wasps are female), these fliers are anything but damsels in distress: Paper wasp stings pack quite a punch, typically more painful than the average honey bee.Â
Stings are often described as a sharp sensation followed by burning pain that can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or longer. As the sting heals, skin might become red, inflamed, tender, and itchy, a recovery process that can continue for days.Â
While paper wasp stings might hurt, they’re not common occurrences. Unlike some wasp species (especially yellow jackets), paper wasps aren’t known for their aggression, and they’re usually considered on the docile side (although European paper wasps are notably more defensive and bold than their North American counterparts). No matter what continent they hail from, these wasps will react in defense, and they’ll sting if they’re threatened by vibrations, rapid movements, or proximity; if you get too close to their nests, they’re likely to respond.
Only female paper wasps are capable of stinging; their stingers evolved from egg-laying organs, so males don’t have them. Unlike bees, paper wasps don’t lose their stingers; they can sting multiple times, fly away right after stinging, and go on and live flourishing insect existences, spending their days hunting caterpillars, feeding on nectar, and caring for their young.
What To Do If Stung
Paper wasp stings transmit venom that is generally harmless to most people; although the venom causes irritation and inflammation, its injection rarely requires more than a little over-the-counter TLC. Using a cold compress or bag of ice minimizes pain and swelling, thoroughly washing the area helps prevent infections (uncommon, but they can happen), and antihistamines help reduce itchiness. Local reactions (a sting on your finger that causes your entire hand to swell, for instance) do occur, although they’re not always a sign of a medical emergency.
Nonetheless, true medical emergencies from wasp stings happen as well, most notably in people who are allergic to either wasps or bees. Severe allergic reactions show up as difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat, dizziness, fainting, and widespread hives. People who have or suspect an allergy should carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed and always seek urgent or emergency care if showing signs of a reaction.Â
If you’ve ever had a serious reaction to a bee or wasp sting, you’re much more likely to have a similar or even worse reaction the next time you’re stung. Unlike some allergies, bee and wasp allergies tend to linger for life.
How to Avoid Paper Wasps
Paper wasps are most active in the spring and summer, which means you can avoid them by never leaving your home during warm-weather months. If you refuse to be held hostage by a creature that weighs 100 or so milligrams, there are several other steps that minimize interactions.
To start, reduce anything around your home that could attract wasps to your property; this includes fruit that’s fallen from trees or bushes, uncovered trash cans, and improperly cleaned barbecue grills or outdoor furniture; also avoid using scented candles outside, which sometimes contain aromas that wasps find appealing. Next, cut back vegetation, as overgrown shrubs provide ideal nesting habitats.Â
Inspect your home regularly as well, looking for the presence of these pests; check deck rails, shutters, shed, mailboxes, porch ceilings, eaves, and any sheltered area where a nest might be. While some people are comfortable removing nests when they spot them (especially if the nests are small and limited), others prefer to call a pest control company for any hands-on work.Â
At Kapture, we specialize in whisking away wasp problems of all kinds. We’ll assess your property, treat any wasps present, and make note of any access points that could elevate an outdoor infestation into an indoor one. Sealing entry points in your home’s foundation and siding and repairing torn window screens won’t always deter paper wasps from invading your yard, but it will help keep them from getting into your kitchen or living room.
Signs of Wasp Infestations
The clearest sign of a paper wasp infestation is seeing these frustrating fliers buzzing around. You’re most likely to notice them in late mornings and early afternoons, especially when they’re foraging for food. You might spot several wasps going back and forth as if following a route, or you might spot a single large wasp; in the spring, queens scout locations looking for somewhere safe to set up their kingdoms. As evening approaches, wasps tend to grow dormant, generally disappearing once darkness sets in.
Papery nests (made of a grayish material) are clear signs of an infestation; these are most frequently found in places that provide some sort of protection from the elements, such as tucked under an outdoor table, inside a shed, or in a corner where two sides of a house meet. The more nests you find, the more likely you are to have an issue.Â
Paper wasps also look a bit different from other wasp species. When compared to yellowjackets, paper wasps are longer and slimmer, with long legs that hang down as they fly. They also have some of the most unique colors in the animal kingdom, coming in a mix of brown, reddish-brown, yellow, black, or orange. Unlike most wasps, they don’t follow the traditional yellow-and-black palette.
Wasp Whisperers at Your Service
At Kapture, we have extensive experience in dealing with all kinds of New Jersey pests, including wasps of all stripes. Our eco-friendly, fast-acting, and safe options allow us to quickly and efficiently treat wasps and keep them from coming back. We offer comprehensive inspections, cutting-edge technology, and same-day solutions to make sure wasps buzz off and stay gone! Â Contact us to learn more!