As opposed to yellow jackets which are considered to be aggressive wasps, paper wasps are normally non-aggressive.  They can and will sting when they feel that their nest is being threatened by an intruder.  Unlike a honeybee which has a barbed stinger which can only sting one time, the paper wasp is able to sting multiple times.  Like other wasp species, paper wasps have the ability to call other colony members into battle by using alarm pheromones and chemical messages which will tell other colony members that the nest needs defending.

Paper wasps are considered to be beneficial wasps in that they do eat other harmful insects and collect insects to feed to their young.  Paper wasps help to benefit landscaping and garden areas by keeping harmful insects out.  The problem with many paper wasps nests is that they are often constructed near the opening of a home or in close proximity of people, which will then put people at risk for stings.

Paper wasp nests are easily recognizable as they are often found under eaves, on deck railing, in soffits, in gazebos, and even in bird houses and feeders.  The queen starts the nest in the spring by masticating wood fibers into pliable pulp.  Once her first generation of workers is born, they assume the duties of building the nest.  Paper wasps construct open-celled nests that can become quite large by the end of summer.

Like other wasp venom, paper wasp venom can be very dangerous.  Handling a paper was nest should be left to a NJ pest control professional.  Contact Stern Environmental Group for expert pest control services in NJ, NY, NYC and CT.