Wasps are present across Arizona, thriving in its diverse ecosystems. Over three dozen wasp species are found in Arizona, with several types commonly encountered. This article covers common species, their behaviors, and how to coexist with them in Arizona’s unique environment.
Common Wasp Species Across Arizona
Arizona hosts various wasp species, each with distinct appearances. Paper wasps are among the most common, including the yellow paper wasp, Navajo paper wasp, and Arizona paper wasp. These wasps measure about an inch long and have slender bodies with long, thin legs and smoky-colored wings. Their coloration varies, ranging from yellow, black, brown, or red, and they display yellow or red markings. When in flight, paper wasps dangle their long legs.
Yellowjackets are another common type, distinguished by their robust, compact bodies and vivid yellow and black stripes. They are smaller than paper wasps, measuring half an inch to two-thirds of an inch. Unlike paper wasps, yellowjackets tuck their legs close to their bodies during flight.
Mud daubers, easily identified by their unique nests, are slender wasps with a thin, thread-like waist between their thorax and abdomen. They can be black with pale markings, metallic blue, metallic green, or black with yellow banding, ranging from 0.5 to over an inch.
Tarantula hawks, notable for their size, have bluish-black bodies and bright orange wings, up to two inches long. These wasps are known for delivering a very painful sting, often compared to an intense electric shock. Despite this, tarantula hawks are not aggressive and only sting if provoked.
Where Wasps Live and What They Do
Wasps exhibit varied nesting behaviors and diets, contributing to the ecosystem. Paper wasps construct their nests from chewed wood fibers and saliva, creating a paper-like material. These nests are open, resembling an inverted umbrella with visible hexagonal cells, and are found in sheltered locations like roof eaves, tree branches, or under porch ceilings. Paper wasps prey on other insects such as caterpillars and flies, which they feed to their larvae. Adults also consume flower nectar.
Yellowjackets are social wasps that build their nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows or other enclosed spaces like wall voids and attics. Their nests are made from chewed wood fiber pulp and are enclosed, with a small entrance. These wasps are scavengers, attracted to sweets and proteins, and forage for food waste, insects, and spiders. Yellowjackets become aggressive in late summer when natural food sources decline, seeking human food.
Mud daubers are solitary wasps, meaning they do not live in large colonies like paper wasps or yellowjackets. Females construct their nests from mud, forming tube-like or cylindrical structures on walls, ceilings, and other protected surfaces. These nests are provisioned with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. Unlike social wasps, mud daubers do not have a nest-protection instinct and are not aggressive unless directly threatened.
Living Alongside Wasps
Coexisting with wasps in Arizona involves understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures to minimize interactions. Wasps are not aggressive unless provoked or their nest is threatened. If a wasp is encountered, remain calm and avoid sudden movements, as swatting can trigger a defensive response.
To reduce wasp attraction to human spaces, cover food and drinks when outdoors and dispose of waste in sealed bins. Wasps are drawn to sweet foods and proteins, making picnics and outdoor eating areas attractants. Sealing cracks and gaps in the home’s exterior, and filling in ground holes, can help prevent wasps from establishing nests in or around structures.
While many wasp species are not aggressive, large nests in high-traffic areas, like doorways or play areas, may warrant professional intervention. Attempting to remove an active wasp nest without proper equipment or knowledge is hazardous due to their territorial nature. Professional pest control services can safely remove nests and implement preventative measures to deter wasps, ensuring safety for residents and pets.