Asian Paper Wasp

Description:

Though paper wasps are beneficial insects, they tend to nest in close proximity to people, putting us at risk for stings. In some cases, it may be necessary to control paper wasps to minimize such risk. Paper wasps construct the familiar, open-celled paper nests we often see suspended from eaves or porch ceilings. Paper wasps do serve an important ecological purpose as predators of other insects. They collect caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other insect prey to feed their young.

Habitat:

Each year, the paper wasp queen must build a new nest, which she does by masticating wood fibers into a pliable pulp. Once she raises her first generation of workers, these offspring will assume the role of construction workers, expanding the nest to meet the needs of the growing colony. By summer, the paper wasp nest can be quite large, reaching a width of 6-8 inches. In fall, freezing temperatures will kill all but the queen, who seeks shelter and hibernates for the winter. The nest degrades over winter and is rarely reused the next year.