| Scientific name | Polistes spp. |
|---|---|
| Group | Bees & Wasps |
| Size | 16–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Yellow, Red and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere and Garden or plants |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
How to identify it
The paper wasp is a medium-sized member of the bees & wasps group. Two pairs of wings and, in females, a stinger at the tip of the abdomen. Check for these three features:
- Long, thin body with a narrow waist
- Legs dangle below the body in flight
- Open, uncovered comb nest shaped like an upside-down umbrella
About this bug
A slender wasp with long, dangling legs that builds open, umbrella-shaped paper nests under eaves, railings and grills. It hunts caterpillars to feed its young.
You'll usually find paper wasps indoors and in gardens and on plants. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Paper wasps are less aggressive than yellowjackets but will sting to defend their nest.
Our rating: Can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects.
When you'll see paper wasps
Paper Wasps are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and garden or plants.
About bees & wasps
The paper wasp is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
What to do about it
- Knock down small starter nests early in spring
- Treat nests at dusk when the wasps are inside
- Check eaves, sheds and play equipment regularly
Read the full guide: how to get rid of paper wasps.
Bugs that look similar
Size: Paper Wasps are larger, reaching 25 mm, while yellowjackets top out around 16 mm.
Size: Mud Daubers are larger, reaching 28 mm, while paper wasps top out around 25 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a paper wasp look like?
Long, thin body with a narrow waist. Adults measure 16–25 mm (up to about 0.98 in).
Does the paper wasp bite or sting?
It does not bite. It can sting. Paper wasps are less aggressive than yellowjackets but will sting to defend their nest.
Where do paper wasps live?
Paper Wasps live indoors and in gardens and on plants.
When are paper wasps most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.