Phoenix Paper Wasp Control & Nest Removal
Are Paper Wasps Dangerous?
Paper wasps can be dangerous because they will aggressively defend their nests if they feel threatened. Their stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What Are Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps are typically brown with yellow or reddish markings and have long, dangling legs when they fly. They build distinctive, umbrella-shaped nests from chewed wood fibers.
Signs of a Paper Wasp Infestation
The most apparent sign is the presence of their paper-like, open-comb nests hanging from eaves, porches, or tree branches, along with wasps flying actively around the structure.
Preventing Paper Wasps
Regularly inspect eaves, overhangs, and patios for early nest construction in the spring. Keep food and drinks covered outdoors, and seal cracks where they might overwinter.
The Antidote
Attempting to remove a nest yourself can be dangerous. Our professionals use specialized equipment and treatments to safely neutralize the wasps and remove the nests from your property.
Paper Wasp FAQs
Are paper wasps aggressive?
Paper wasps are generally not aggressive unless their nest is disturbed or threatened. However, if provoked, they will sting repeatedly to defend their colony.
How many times can a paper wasp sting?
Unlike honeybees, which lose their stinger and die after one sting, paper wasps have smooth stingers and can sting multiple times without injuring themselves.
What do paper wasps eat?
Adult paper wasps feed primarily on nectar from flowers. However, they hunt caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects to feed to the larvae developing in their nest.
Do paper wasps reuse their nests?
No, paper wasps do not reuse old nests. Each spring, a queen will start building a completely new nest, although she may choose a location near an old one.
Where do paper wasps build their nests?
They prefer sheltered locations, frequently building nests under the eaves of houses, inside porch ceilings, on window frames, or in dense shrubs and trees.
What should I do if I find a paper wasp nest?
If the nest is in a high-traffic area, it's best to have it professionally removed to avoid stings. If it's far from human activity, it can sometimes be left alone.