Stinging Wasps : Paper wasps

categories: Natural Enemies Stinging Wasps

last review date: 2025-08-23 06:22

Biology

Native paper wasps live in small groups of 6-20 in papery nests hanging from stalks under eaves or from branches in bushes and trees.

These wasps search plants for caterpillars, beetle larvae and other suitable prey which are chewed, then fed to the larvae in the nest.

Unless paper wasp nests are in ‘high traffic’ areas like a doorway, paper wasps usually do not sting people.

If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

However, an aggressive, introduced paper wasp species, the European paper wasp (Polistes dominula), has recently spread to the Pacific Northwest and should be discouraged in gardens by removing their nests.

It is recognizable by being the only paper wasp with mostly orange antennae.

Prey or Pest Targeted

• Caterpillars, spiders, mantids, beetles

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Native plants provide essential resources.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
• Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended