Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Adults are typically 15-25mm long, appearing more slender and elongated than European Wasps.
Coloration: Colouration is variable depending on the species. Most common species are a combination of brown, reddish-brown, black, and yellow or orange markings. They generally lack the bright, vivid lemon-yellow of the European Wasp.
Key Features: The combination of a slender body, long dangling legs in flight, and an open, umbrella-shaped paper nest are the key identifiers for this genus. They are predators, not scavengers.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Moderate. The colony size is limited by the exposed nature of the nest and the number of workers.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
In spring, a founding queen (or sometimes a small group of cooperating females) emerges from hibernation and begins building a new nest. She constructs a few hexagonal cells from paper she makes by chewing wood fibre, and lays a single egg in each cell.
Larval Stage
The queen (or founding group) hunts for caterpillars and other insects. She chews them into a paste and feeds this protein-rich food to the developing larvae. The larvae grow within their cells, moulting several times.
Pupal Stage
Once a larva is fully grown, it caps its cell with a layer of silk and pupates. Inside, it transforms from a grub into an adult wasp. This stage typically lasts a couple of weeks.
Adult Stage
The first adults to emerge are sterile female workers. They take over the tasks of foraging for food and wood pulp, expanding the nest, and caring for the new larvae. The founding queen becomes the primary egg-layer. The colony grows throughout the summer, but typically remains much smaller than a European Wasp nest, usually containing a few dozen to a hundred individuals.
Reproduction Rate
Moderate. The colony size is limited by the exposed nature of the nest and the number of workers.
Generations Per Year
Several generations of workers can be produced during the summer.
Development Time
The lifecycle from egg to adult takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Seasonal Cycle
A predictable annual cycle. Nests are founded in spring, grow during summer, produce reproductives in autumn, and the colony dies off as winter approaches, leaving only hibernating females to start the cycle again the following year.
Environmental Factors
The availability of caterpillars and other insect prey for the larvae is a key factor. They also need a source of wood fibre (e.g., from an old fence or dead branch) and water to make their paper nests.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Suburban gardens, parks, and bushland.
- They build their nests in sheltered, protected locations.
- Common nesting sites include under house eaves, on window frames, in sheds, on fences, and in dense shrubs.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Various species of Paper Wasps are found in every state and territory of Australia.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Extremely common in both urban and rural environments.
Native Range
The genus Polistes is found worldwide. Australia has numerous native species and at least one introduced European species (Polistes dominula).
Introduced Range
Not applicable at the genus level.
Introduction History
Not applicable at the genus level.
Current Spread
Widespread and stable.
Limiting Factors
Limited by the availability of insect prey and suitable sheltered nesting sites.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal, active during the day.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Adults are nectarivores; larvae are carnivores.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- None.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Wasp venom is a significant allergen. Stings can cause anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Contamination Risk
None. They are not attracted to human food.
Vulnerable Populations
- People with venom allergies.
- Children who may not recognise the nest and disturb it.
- Gardeners who may accidentally brush against a hidden nest.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A sting causes immediate sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation, redness, and swelling.
- Multiple stings are possible but less likely than with European Wasps.
- Anaphylaxis symptoms (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, hives, dizziness) require immediate medical attention.
Transmission Methods
- Venom injected via the stinger.
Risk Severity
Moderate. The sting is painful, and there is a risk of anaphylaxis. However, they are far less likely to sting than European Wasps unless provoked.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$120 - $300 for professional nest removal.
Prevention Costs
$0.
Diy Treatment
$15 - $30 for a can of wasp-killing aerosol spray.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None. Their nests are small and made of paper, causing no damage to the surfaces they are attached to.
Garden Damage
None. They are beneficial to gardens.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Generally none, as they are not interested in scavenging food.
Retail Impact
None.
Reputation Damage
A nest near a business entrance could be a concern for customers, requiring removal.
Operational Disruption
Minimal.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
Highly beneficial in both home gardens and agricultural settings. They are excellent biological control agents, preying on large numbers of caterpillars, including the pest species that damage vegetable crops and ornamental plants.
Economic Loss
None. They provide a net economic benefit through natural pest control.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Costs associated with treating stings and anaphylactic reactions.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- The presence of their distinctive, open-comb paper nest, usually under an eave, on a window frame, or on a tree branch.
- Seeing wasps flying to and from the nest.
- Observing them stripping wood fibre from an old fence or wooden furniture.
- Watching them hunt and carry caterpillars on garden plants.
Physical Evidence
- The nest itself is the only physical evidence.
Behavioral Signs
- Their characteristic slow flight with dangling legs.
Seasonal Indicators
- A small, founding nest appears in spring.
- Nests grow to their maximum size in late summer and autumn.
- Nests appear abandoned in winter.
Early Warning Signals
- Seeing a single queen starting to build the first few cells of a nest in spring.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Not applicable.
Exclusion Methods
- Regularly inspect common nesting sites like eaves, pergolas, and sheds in spring and remove any newly forming nests (when they are very small and have only the queen) before they can establish.
Landscaping Tips
- No specific landscaping tips will deter them, and their presence is generally desirable for garden health.
Monitoring Strategies
- Keep an eye out for new nest construction in spring.
Environmental Modification
- Painting or sealing wooden surfaces can prevent them from harvesting wood fibre, but they will usually find another source.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
A professional will use a registered aerosol insecticide to quickly knock down the wasps and treat the nest. This is a quick and effective procedure.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
A professional may physically remove the nest after it has been treated.
Integrated Approach
The approach is to assess the risk. If the nest is in a safe, out-of-the-way location, the best approach is to leave it alone. If it poses a sting risk, professional removal is recommended.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
Not recommended as they require getting too close to the nest.
Home Made Traps
Not effective for nest removal.
Deterrent Methods
A registered wasp-killing aerosol spray with a long-distance nozzle can be effective for DIY treatment of small, accessible nests. This must be done at night when the wasps are on the nest and inactive. You must wear protective clothing and have a clear escape route.
Mechanical Control
Knocking down a nest will enrage the wasps and should not be attempted.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
High for both professional and correctly performed DIY aerosol treatments.
Timeframe
Immediate.
Follow Up Required
The nest will not be re-used. However, another queen may choose to build a new nest nearby the following year.
Seasonal Considerations
Treatment is best done at night when all wasps are present and docile. If possible, wait until late autumn when the colony is naturally declining.
Application Techniques
- Application of a fast-acting aerosol spray directly onto the entire nest from a safe distance.
- Performing the treatment at night is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
A professional will use a registered aerosol insecticide to quickly knock down the wasps and treat the nest. This is a quick and effective procedure.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
A professional may physically remove the nest after it has been treated.
Integrated Approach
The approach is to assess the risk. If the nest is in a safe, out-of-the-way location, the best approach is to leave it alone. If it poses a sting risk, professional removal is recommended.
Professional Treatment Costs
$120 - $300 for professional nest removal.
Treatment Success Rates
High for both professional and correctly performed DIY aerosol treatments.
Treatment Timeframe
Immediate.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Hibernating queens emerge and begin building new nests.
Summer Activity
Colonies grow in size, and workers are actively hunting caterpillars.
Autumn Activity
Nests are at their largest. Reproductives (new queens and males) are produced.
Winter Activity
The colony, including the old queen and all workers, dies off. The nest is abandoned. New, fertilised queens hibernate in sheltered locations.
Breeding Season
Spring and summer.
Peak Activity Period
Nests are largest and most populous in late summer and autumn.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm weather is required for activity.
Humidity Effects
Not a major factor.
Photoperiod Effects
Likely influences the timing of hibernation and spring emergence.
Weather Patterns
Heavy rain or wind can damage their exposed nests.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not an official pest. Considered a nuisance when nesting in high-traffic areas, but otherwise beneficial.
Control Regulations
Standard pesticide use regulations apply.
Professional Requirements
A general pest control license is needed for commercial treatment.
Environmental Considerations
Their beneficial role as predators should be considered. Nests should only be destroyed if they pose a direct threat. Avoid broad-spectrum spraying that could harm other insects.
Compliance Requirements
- None.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paper Wasps aggressive and will they sting me?
Paper Wasps are not considered naturally aggressive, especially when they are away from their nest. A lone wasp foraging for caterpillars in your garden poses virtually no threat and will ignore you. However, they are defensive of their home. If you get too close to their nest, disturb the branch or eave it is attached to, or make sudden movements towards it, they will perceive you as a threat and may attack to defend it. They can and will sting, and the sting is quite painful. Unlike honey bees, they can sting multiple times. The key is to respect their space. If a nest is in a location where it is unlikely to be accidentally disturbed, it is safe to leave it alone. If it's right by a doorway or in a play area, the risk of accidental encounters is higher.
I found a Paper Wasp nest. Should I get rid of it?
The answer depends entirely on its location. Paper Wasps are beneficial insects that provide excellent natural pest control by hunting caterpillars. If the nest is in a part of your garden where it won't be disturbed—high up on an eave, on a tree branch at the back of the yard, or in a shed you rarely use—the best and most environmentally friendly option is to leave it alone. The wasps will continue to help keep your garden pests in check, and the colony will die off naturally in winter. However, if the nest is in a high-traffic area where it poses a direct sting risk—such as right above your front door, on a low window frame, or on playground equipment—then removal is a reasonable safety precaution. Always weigh the benefit of their presence against the risk of stings based on the nest's location.
How can I tell the difference between a Paper Wasp and a European Wasp?
There are two very reliable ways to tell them apart. The first is how they fly. Paper Wasps are slender and have long legs that hang down conspicuously below their body as they fly. European Wasps are stocky and bee-like, and they tuck their legs up close to their body when flying, so you don't see them dangling. The second method is by looking at the nest. A Paper Wasp nest is always exposed. It's a small, grey, papery, umbrella-shaped structure with open cells that you can see from below. A European Wasp nest is always hidden inside a cavity, like a hole in the ground or a wall void. You will only see the wasps flying in and out of a single entrance hole, you won't see the nest itself. If you can see an open paper 'umbrella', it's a Paper Wasp. If you see wasps disappearing into a hole, it's a European Wasp and you should stay away and call a professional.
What do Paper Wasps eat?
Paper Wasps have two different diets depending on their life stage. The adult wasps primarily feed on carbohydrates for energy. They get this by drinking nectar from flowers, making them minor pollinators. They may also feed on honeydew secreted by aphids. The larvae, however, are carnivorous and require protein to grow. The adult worker wasps are dedicated hunters that spend their days scouring the leaves of plants for soft-bodied insects, with caterpillars being a particular favourite. They will also take spiders and other grubs. When a worker catches a caterpillar, it will sting it to paralyse it, then use its mandibles to chew it into a soft paste. It then carries this protein-rich paste back to the nest to feed the hungry larvae mouth-to-mouth. It's this predatory behaviour that makes them so beneficial for garden pest control.
If I remove a nest, will they come back?
Paper Wasps will not re-use an old or abandoned nest. Their colonies are annual, meaning they start from scratch every single spring. If you remove a nest during the summer, that specific colony is gone for good. However, the location might still be an ideal nesting site. A different, newly-mated queen emerging from hibernation the following spring might choose the exact same eave or window frame to start her own nest, as it still provides the same shelter and protection that attracted the first wasp. Therefore, while they won't re-inhabit the same nest, you can get new nests in the same 'hotspots' year after year. The best way to prevent this is to be vigilant in spring and physically knock down any tiny new nests you see being started before they can grow.
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