The discovery of a papery, honeycomb-like structure tucked under a roof eave or on a porch ceiling is a common occurrence for many homeowners. These formations are the work of paper wasps. While a startling find, understanding the nature of these insects and their nests is the first step in determining the appropriate response.
Nest Identification and Construction
Paper wasp nests are distinguished by their signature umbrella shape and open-faced design, which leaves the hexagonal cells visible. Unlike the enclosed, ball-like nests of hornets, a paper wasp nest is a single, open comb attached to a surface by a single stalk, or petiole. The nest has a grayish or brownish, paper-like appearance because it is constructed from wood fibers.
The queen and her workers gather wood fibers from sources like wooden fences, deck railings, and dead tree branches. They use their jaws to scrape off the material and then chew it, mixing it with their saliva to create a soft pulp. This pulp is then molded into the hexagonal cells of the nest. Nests begin small in the spring with just a few cells built by the queen, and expand as the colony grows throughout the summer.
Common Nesting Locations
Paper wasps are adaptable and build their nests in a variety of sheltered locations, both natural and man-made. This adaptability often brings them into close contact with humans. They frequently choose overhangs and protected spots on houses, such as under roof eaves, within porch ceilings, and behind window shutters. Garages, sheds, and the areas underneath deck railings are other common sites.
Beyond homes and outbuildings, these wasps also build nests in more natural settings. It is not unusual to find a nest hanging from a tree branch or tucked away within the dense foliage of a shrub. They also build inside seldom-used items like grill covers or within open pipes. The primary requirement for a nesting site is protection from the elements, which is why structures offering overhead cover are preferred.
The Colony’s Annual Cycle
The life of a paper wasp colony follows an annual cycle that begins in the spring. A fertilized queen emerges from her winter hibernation to select a nesting site and construct the first few cells. She lays eggs in these cells, and once they hatch, she feeds the first generation of larvae herself. These first offspring are sterile female workers.
Once the initial brood of workers matures, they take over all colony duties, including foraging for food, caring for the young, and expanding the nest. The queen’s sole function then becomes laying eggs, allowing the colony to grow rapidly through the summer months. In late summer and early fall, the queen produces males and new, fertile queens who leave the nest to mate.
As winter approaches and the first hard frost arrives, the founding queen, workers, and males die off. Only the newly mated queens survive by finding sheltered places to overwinter. The original nest is abandoned and rarely used again.
Dealing with a Paper Wasp Nest
When a paper wasp nest is discovered, the first consideration is its location. If the nest is in a remote part of the yard and not posing a threat, it can often be left alone. Paper wasps are beneficial predators that help control garden pests like caterpillars. However, when a nest is located near a doorway, window, or a high-traffic area like a deck, removal may be necessary to prevent stings.
For a small, newly formed nest, often seen in early spring, a homeowner might feel comfortable knocking it down with a long pole or a strong jet of water. It’s safest to do this at night or in the early morning when wasps are less active. For any nest that is large, established, or in a hard-to-reach location, contacting a professional pest control service is the recommended course of action. Professionals have the proper protective gear and equipment to handle the removal safely. Attempting to remove a large, active nest without proper precautions increases the risk of defensive behavior from the wasps.