Paper Wasps in Pennsylvania: Identification, Nests & Safe Removal
Paper wasps are one of the most common stinging insects homeowners encounter throughout Pennsylvania. Unlike yellow jackets, which often nest underground, or bald-faced hornets that build large enclosed nests, paper wasps construct small, open nests that are often found under roof overhangs, decks, porches, and outdoor structures.
At Budget Exterminating, we remove paper wasp nests throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Malvern, Exton, Chester Springs, and across Chester County. While paper wasps are generally less aggressive than other stinging insects, they can still deliver painful stings if they feel their nest is threatened.
This guide explains how to identify paper wasps, where they build nests, why they choose certain locations, and when professional removal is the safest option.
What Are Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps are social insects that live in relatively small colonies. They get their name from the paper-like material they create by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with saliva.
Unlike yellow jackets, paper wasps leave the individual cells of their nest exposed, giving the nest its distinctive umbrella-like appearance.
Each colony begins with a single queen in the spring. As the season progresses, worker wasps take over nest expansion and food collection, allowing the queen to focus on laying eggs.
How to Identify Paper Wasps
Paper wasps have a slimmer appearance than yellow jackets and hornets.
Physical Characteristics
- Approximately ¾ to 1 inch long
- Slender body with a narrow waist
- Long legs that hang below the body during flight
- Brown, reddish-brown, or black with yellow markings
- Slow, graceful flight pattern
One of the easiest ways to identify paper wasps is by their long legs, which dangle noticeably as they fly.
What Does a Paper Wasp Nest Look Like?
Paper wasp nests are very different from the enclosed nests built by hornets.
Characteristics include:
- Open hexagonal cells
- No outer covering
- Gray paper-like material
- Usually attached by a single stalk
- Umbrella-shaped appearance
Most nests start small in the spring and can eventually house several dozen wasps by late summer.
Where Do Paper Wasps Build Their Nests?
Paper wasps prefer protected areas that provide shelter from rain and predators.
Common nesting locations include:
- Porch ceilings
- Deck railings
- Roof overhangs
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Gazebos
- Sheds
- Fences
- Outdoor furniture
- Children's playsets
Because they often nest near entryways, homeowners frequently encounter them while coming and going from their homes.
Are Paper Wasps Aggressive?
Compared to yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets, paper wasps are relatively calm.
Most paper wasps are focused on gathering food and caring for their colony. They generally ignore people unless someone gets too close to the nest or attempts to remove it.
However, they will defend their nest if they perceive a threat and can sting multiple times.
What Do Paper Wasps Eat?
Paper wasps are actually beneficial insects.
They feed on:
- Caterpillars
- Flies
- Beetle larvae
- Other soft-bodied insects
- Nectar
- Plant juices
Their diet helps reduce populations of many garden pests, making them valuable predators in natural settings.
Should You Remove a Paper Wasp Nest?
Not every paper wasp nest needs to be removed.
If a small nest is located high in a tree or another area far from people and pets, it may be best to simply leave it alone and allow the colony to die naturally after the first hard frost.
However, removal is recommended when nests are located:
- Near front or back doors
- Around decks or patios
- Near children's play areas
- On playground equipment
- Close to frequently used walkways
- Around outdoor dining areas
These locations increase the chances of accidental encounters and stings.
Can You Remove a Paper Wasp Nest Yourself?
Small, newly established nests may sometimes be removed safely with proper precautions.
However, homeowners should never attempt removal if:
- Multiple wasps are actively guarding the nest.
- The nest is above head height.
- The nest is difficult to reach safely.
- Anyone in the household has a known allergy to stings.
Professional removal helps eliminate the colony while reducing the risk of painful stings.
Paper Wasps vs. Other Stinging Insects
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are stockier, bright yellow and black, and often nest underground or inside wall voids. They are generally much more aggressive than paper wasps.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are black and white and build large enclosed paper nests suspended in trees or attached to structures.
European Hornets
European hornets are significantly larger, active at night, and typically nest inside hollow trees, attics, or wall voids.
For a complete overview of Pennsylvania's most common stinging insects, visit our Complete Homeowner's Guide to Stinging Insects in Chester County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do paper wasps sting?
Yes. Like other wasps, paper wasps can sting multiple times if they feel threatened.
Are paper wasps beneficial?
Yes. They help control many common garden pests by feeding on caterpillars and other insects.
Do paper wasps return to the same nest every year?
No. Colonies die after the first hard frost. New queens build new nests each spring, although they may choose similar locations.
Should I knock down an empty nest?
Yes. Once you're certain the nest is inactive after winter, removing it can improve the appearance of your home. However, remember that removing an old nest does not prevent new queens from building nearby the following spring.
Professional Paper Wasp Removal in Chester County
If you've found a paper wasp nest around your home or business, Budget Exterminating is here to help.
We provide safe, professional paper wasp removal throughout Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Malvern, Exton, Chester Springs, and the surrounding Chester County communities.
Our experienced technicians will identify the species, safely eliminate active nests, and help reduce the chances of future activity around your home.
If you have questions about paper wasps or need professional stinging insect control, contact Budget Exterminating today.