Order: Hymenoptera

Family: Vespidae

Paper wasps get their name from the paper-like nests which they construct. These wasps are found throughout the United States.

Description: Paper wasp adults are approximately 3/4 of an inch long. They are dark brown with yellow markings which can look like stripes.

Biology: Many stinging insects such as honey bees are considered social because they live in colonies, or they are considered solitary insects such as carpenter bees because they drill round holes in wood in which to lay their eggs. Paper wasps are considered semi-social because they live in small colonies without a worker caste system. An over-wintering inseminated queen begins building a nest in the spring, and can be joined by other inseminated queens that assist in nest building. These secondary queens act as functional workers until the founding queen dies. A secondary queen then assumes the egg-laying responsibility to ensure nest survival.

Habits: Paper Wasps can hang their comb-style nests from branches of trees and shrubs as well as porch ceilings, windows, door frames, eaves, soffits, deck railings or almost any place that is protected. In inside environments, nests can be hanging from attic rafters or exposed floor joists.