Red paper wasps are common insects across the southeastern and south-central United States. They often build nests near human dwellings. Understanding their behavior is important for safely coexisting with them, and this article explores their typical actions, what can provoke them, and how to minimize encounters.
Red Paper Wasp Behavior
Red paper wasps are social insects that live in colonies, comprising a queen, workers, and males. Workers build paper nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, forming a single layer of hexagonal cells that can reach up to 6 inches in diameter. These nests are often found in sheltered locations such as under eaves, in tree hollows, or within attic vents. Adult wasps primarily feed on nectar from flowers, and their foraging activities contribute to pollination. They also serve as beneficial predators, capturing and consuming various other insects, especially caterpillars, which they feed to their developing larvae.
Triggers for Aggression
Red paper wasps are generally not aggressive and sting primarily as a defensive mechanism when they or their nest feel threatened. If a nest is accidentally disturbed, or if a wasp perceives a sudden movement or feels trapped, it may sting. Unlike honeybees, female wasps do not lose their stinger, allowing them to sting multiple times. While individual wasps away from the nest are less likely to sting, approaching a nest can provoke a defensive swarm, potentially leading to multiple stings.
Preventing Stings
To minimize the risk of being stung by red paper wasps, several precautions can be taken. Avoid sudden movements near wasps or their nests, as this can be perceived as a threat. When outdoors, keep food and sugary drinks covered, as wasps are attracted to these sources.
Wearing light-colored, neutral clothing can also help, as bright colors and strong fragrances may attract them. Regularly inspect areas around your home, such as eaves, sheds, and dense shrubs, for early signs of nest construction. If a nest is present, maintaining distance and avoiding direct interaction is the safest approach.
Identifying Red Paper Wasps
Proper identification of red paper wasps can help distinguish them from other insect species. These wasps have slender, elongated bodies, measuring about 3/4 to 1 inch (20-25 mm) in length. Their coloration is predominantly rust-red or reddish-brown. They possess a noticeable pinched waist and long legs that dangle during flight. Their wings are typically dark brown to black.
The nests are distinctive, made of a paper-like material and shaped like an open, upside-down umbrella with visible hexagonal cells, attached by a single stem to a sheltered surface.