Spencer Pest Services will be operating under the Rocket Pest Control brand going forward. You're still in the right place to schedule pest control services!

Paper Wasps

What do paper wasps look like?

Paper wasps have a pinched waist and long thin legs that hang down below their body as they fly. Paper wasp wings are a grayish color; their bodies are black or brown in color and they typically have yellow and/or orangish markings. Adults grow to between ½ and 1 inch in length. Paper wasps have a smooth stinger.

paper wasp

Are paper wasps dangerous?

Paper wasps are considered to be dangerous because their venom is strong enough to cause a severe allergic reaction in some people; also their smooth stinger allows each individual to repeatedly sting their victim. Paper wasps are not super aggressive and live in fairly small, semi-social colonies; despite not being overly aggressive they will not hesitate to defend themselves or colony if they feel it is warranted.  

What do paper wasps eat?

Paper wasps are predatory insects, both adults and their larvae feed on a wide variety of insects and spiders, which helps to keep nuisance insect populations in check.  Adults will also feed on nectar and pollen helping to pollinate a wide variety of crops, trees, and plants.

Where do paper wasps nest?

Paper wasps build their umbrella-shaped nests up off of the ground. Their nests are commonly found hanging from trees, utility poles, shrubs, porches, decks, roof soffits, and doorframes. Paper wasps nests are created from a paper-like substance that they create from a mixture of chewed wood and saliva.

How do you get rid of paper wasps?

The best way to eliminate paper wasps from your property is to get help from a professional that has familiarity removing these pests from properties. At Spencer Pest Services we can get rid of paper wasps from your property through our bee and wasp control services. Our pest control professionals have the experience and training needed to safely remove paper wasp nests from your property. Our pros will also offer advice as to how to prevent future problems with paper wasps on your property. Contact us today for specifics about our bee and wasp control services

Paper wasp prevention tips

There are a few steps that you can take around your property to try and prevent paper wasps from becoming a danger to you, your family, and pets. Prevention tips include:

  • Trim back shrubs and trees away from the exterior of your home.
  • Limit the amount of flowering plants and gardens that are planted near the exterior of your home.
  • Place tight fitting lids on outdoor trashcans.
  • Clean up outdoor eating areas in a timely manner after the meal is finished.
  • Place tight fitting caps on all chimneys; fix loose roof shingles, repair holes along roof lines.
  • Make sure that all windows and doors have intact screens placed in them; caulk gaps found around windows and doors, and seal cracks found in the exterior walls of your home.

To see how Spencer Pest Services can eliminate paper wasps from your Greenville, Upstate of South Carolina, or northern Georgia property, call us today.