Many people observe wasps interacting with wooden structures. While not all wasp species engage with wood, certain types have a distinct relationship with it, primarily for nest construction rather than consumption or damage. This interaction serves a specific purpose in their colonies.
Why Wasps Interact with Wood
Wasps interact with wood primarily to gather building materials for their nests. Social wasps, such as paper wasps and hornets, use their mandibles to scrape and chew on weathered, untreated wood fibers. They then mix these fibers with their saliva, creating a pulp with a paper-like consistency, which they use to construct their characteristic nests.
The resulting paper pulp is then shaped into intricate structures that house their colonies. Wasps do not consume wood for nutrition, nor do they cause structural damage like wood-boring insects such as termites or carpenter bees. Instead, they recycle wood cellulose to create a sheltered environment for their queen and developing young.
Common Wasp Species and Their Wood Habits
Several common wasp species are known for their wood-gathering habits for nest construction. Paper wasps (Polistes species) are frequently observed collecting wood fibers to build their open, umbrella-shaped nests, often found hanging under eaves or in sheltered outdoor areas. Hornets, including species like the bald-faced hornet, also construct large, enclosed, football-shaped paper nests using chewed wood. Yellow jackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula species) also use wood fibers to create their nests, found in various locations, including underground, in hollow logs, or within wall voids.
These wasps differ from other insects that interact with wood. Unlike carpenter bees, which bore tunnels into wood to create nests, or termites, which consume wood as a food source, these wasps use wood purely as a building material. Horntail wasps (also known as wood wasps) lay their eggs inside wood, where larvae feed on fungus-softened wood, but they do not construct external paper nests like social wasps.
Signs of Wasp Activity on Wood
Identifying signs of wasp activity on wooden structures indicates their presence. One obvious indicator is the sighting of paper nests attached to wooden surfaces such as eaves, siding, or deck railings. These nests can range in size and shape depending on the species, from small, open combs to larger, enclosed structures.
Another common sign is visible scraping or chewing marks on weathered, untreated wood. Wasps prefer to collect fibers from unpainted or unsealed wood, leaving behind thin, scraped lines or a fuzzy appearance where they have gnawed. An increased number of adult wasps flying near or repeatedly landing on wooden structures, particularly if gnawing, also suggests active wood collection for nests.
Deterring Wasps from Wood Structures
To minimize wasp interaction with wooden structures, several practical measures can be employed. Painting or sealing exposed, untreated wood surfaces is effective, as wasps prefer softer, weathered wood for fiber collection. This makes the wood less appealing or accessible for chewing.
Promptly removing small, newly formed nests in early spring prevents larger colonies. Maintaining general cleanliness around the property by removing food residues and securing garbage also helps, as wasps are attracted to easy food sources. Natural deterrents like peppermint oil, citronella oil, or clove oil sprayed on surfaces may also discourage wasps. For larger or persistent infestations, professional pest control assistance may be necessary.