Wasps have hundreds of known species, and some of them are very common. Paper wasps are one of that specie that could be categorized as social insects. This specie of wasps builds grey paper-like nests in trees, vegetation, eaves of the home, and even garages. Therefore, you may usually come across paper wasps in your daily life.
How Does Paper Wasps Look?
These wasps look almost identical to a regular wasp, and you usually cannot identify them from their appearance. They do not have a specific body color and range from orange to dark red and reddish-brown. In some of the paper wasp species, you can see bright yellow and red stripes on their body. They have six legs and smokey black wings during their resting position. Their size can vary from 0.5 to 1.5 inches long, and they also have an antenna.
How to Identify Paper Wasps?
These wasps are identified from their nest, and their name also comes from the material they used to build nests. The easiest way to identify a paper wasp is by looking at its nests, their nest is round in shape and looks like an upside-down paper comb. Their nests are attached to a horizontal surface and continue to grow in size as the colony reproduces. Some might say that their nests look like an umbrella; therefore, paper wasps are also known as umbrella wasps.
Habits of Paper Wasps:
Paper wasps are considered a semi-social insect; therefore, they do not threaten humans. Usually, they would not attack anyone unless they feel their colony is under threat. Their colonies have three different types of wraps, the workers, queens, and the males. Fertilized queens spend their winters in safe places such as tree barks and other cracks in the buildings.
During the start of the spring season, they are on the hunt for a new nesting site. After building a nest, the queen reproduces and lays eggs. However, the eggs laying process stops at the end of summer, and the number of wasps inside the colony begins to decrease.
Sometimes these insects can be very annoying, but mostly they live off other insects; therefore, they are also very beneficial for gardens. Their dependence on insects keeps them away from human beings, and they mostly avoid social interaction when possible. Therefore, to prevent their wrath, you should stay away from their nesting sites.
Where Do They Live?
Their nests are built from wood fiber, which they collect from different plants. They chew wood fiber to form paper-like hexagonal cells, which eventually becomes a complete nest. A mature nest could have up to 200 such cells in it.
Due to the paper-thin structure, their nest is very fragile. Therefore, the queen always seeks out a protected area. They could form a nest in doorways, tree branches, and in places with dense vegetation.
What Attracts Paper Wasps?
Their favorite spots to hunt are the place that looks like a pollination target. Therefore, it is natural to see them in a garden or an area with a lot of flowers. To not attract them towards yourself, it is always recommended to avoid perfumes, bright color clothing, and clothes with flower patterns.
Getting Rid of Paper Wasps:
There are many methods to get rid of paper wasp colonies; however, the safest one is to call Surrey wasp control experts. They have the right tools and clothes to get rid of wasp colonies. Moreover, in the case of paper wasps, they could travel up to a thousand yards in the hunt for food and water supplies. Therefore, setting up a wasp trap is not an ideal solution. Professional help is the only solution you have. They would remove the waste correctly, and with the help of a vacuum, they remove colonies in a nontoxic way.
What to Do with A Wasp Sting?
It possible to suffer from a severe reaction when stung by a paper wasp. Moreover, wasps have the capability to stung multiple times, which could lead to swelling and an allergic reaction in the whole body. People who are naturally allergic to wasp stings should always keep anti allergic medication with them. However, for a mild and moderate reaction, you could treat it at home. Follow the steps given below after you are stung by a wasp:
- Thoroughly wash the stung area with soap and water to remove as much venom as possible.
- Use an ice pack to reduce the swelling and pain.
- Always keep the wound dry so that it does not lead to an infection.
- Keep it covered with a bandage.
- Use calamine lotion if the itching does not stop.
Whenever you see any wasp nest near you, do take proper action against them to avoid any serious problems.