The term “red wasp” most commonly refers to the Red Paper Wasp (Polistes carolina), which is highly prevalent across Texas. This species belongs to the family of social wasps that construct nests from a paper-like material. Accurate identification is important for homeowners because, like many wasps, they possess a sting that can be painful. Polistes carolina is a native species found throughout the southeastern and south-central United States.
Physical Characteristics and Identification
The Red Paper Wasp is easily recognized by its distinctive reddish-brown or rust-red body coloration, which gives the species its common name. Adults typically measure about one inch in length, making them relatively large compared to other common wasps. A key physical trait is the slender “waist,” or petiole, connecting the thorax to the abdomen, characteristic of paper wasps.
Their wings are a dark, smoky black color, often exhibiting a slight purple or black iridescence. Female wasps, which are capable of stinging, tend to have a more uniform reddish hue, while males may feature slightly yellower markings on their faces. They are members of the Vespidae family, known for their long legs that dangle visibly beneath them during flight.
It is important to distinguish the Red Paper Wasp from the Red Velvet Ant, or “Cow Killer.” Despite its name, the Red Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis) is actually a wingless wasp, not a true ant. This insect is covered in dense, bright orange-red hair, giving it a fuzzy appearance, and it crawls along the ground rather than flying.
Nesting Locations and Temperament
The Red Paper Wasp constructs its nest from wood fibers and saliva, resulting in a lightweight, paper-like material. These structures are built as a single, open comb of hexagonal cells, often resembling an upside-down umbrella hanging from a central stalk. The cells are exposed, allowing the developing larvae to be visible, unlike the fully enclosed nests of hornets.
These wasps seek out protected, sheltered locations to build their colonies, often found near human dwellings. Typical nesting sites include under the eaves of roofs, within attic vents, beneath decks, or inside sheds and garages. The queen initiates the nest in the spring, and the colony may grow to contain twenty to thirty workers by late summer.
Red Paper Wasps are highly territorial and will defend their nest vigorously if disturbed. The female workers possess a stinger that can be used multiple times, unlike a honeybee’s. The sting is known to be painful, often described as a caustic, burning sensation due to the venom’s composition.
These wasps also play a beneficial ecological role, as they are natural predators that help control populations of other insects. Adults forage for caterpillars and other garden pests, which they chew up and feed to their developing larvae. They also feed on plant nectar, which contributes to the pollination of various flowers and plants.
Safe Control and Prevention
Preventing the establishment of a Red Paper Wasp nest is often simpler and safer than removing a mature colony. Homeowners should regularly inspect protected areas around the property, such as under porch ceilings and window sills, for the small, initial nests started by a queen in the spring. Knocking down these early nests with a stream of water or a long pole can deter the queen from establishing a colony.
To discourage wasps from visiting the area, remove accessible food sources, particularly sugary liquids and discarded fruit. Securing outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids and immediately cleaning up spills from outdoor dining makes the property less appealing for foraging adults. Sealing small gaps and openings around the home, such as tears in window screens, prevents wasps from nesting inside wall voids or attics.
If a nest must be actively removed, it is safest to treat it at night after the sun has fully set, as the wasps are less active and all members of the colony are typically present. Commercial wasp sprays are designed to deliver a jet of insecticide from a safe distance, often up to twenty feet. Follow product instructions and wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of a defensive sting.
For nests that are large, difficult to access, or located in dangerous areas like high gables or inside structural voids, calling a professional pest control service is strongly recommended. Professionals have the equipment and experience to safely eliminate the colony and reduce the risk of stings, especially for individuals with known insect venom allergies.