NPIPM:Vespoidea
Authors: Ashley Mueller, Buyung Hadi
Identification
Paper wasps are less than one inch long. They have very slender bodies and much longer legs compared to yellowjackets. Paper wasps tend to build small nests that look like umbrellas under ledges where they are safe from rainfall. They tend to be less aggressive than yellowjackets.
Yellowjackets can vary in color between yellow and black or white and black. They are approximately 1/2 inch long and are very stocky. Yellowjackets will either build aerial or subterranean nests which are enclosed and are substantially larger than the nest of paper wasps.
Habitat
The natural habitat for paper wasps and yellowjackets is the outdoors. Paper wasps make nests from various products like paper and wood, and eggs are laid within nest cells. Yellowjackets use primarily wood fibers to build their nests, and they are enclosed but have a small entrance. Many times yellowjacket nests are found in the ground in rodent burrows. In most instances, paper wasps and yellowjackets do not reuse their nests the following year.
Life Cycle and Seasonal History
Paper wasps and yellowjackets are most active from early spring to late summer as the populations begin to grow. Eggs are laid into the nest, and after the eggs hatch, the larvae are fed crushed insects, nectar, and honeydew. When the larvae are fully grown, they seal over a cell to pupate. The time the eggs are laid to the time adults emerge from the nest cells is about three to four weeks. The new wasps help colony members in foraging, constructing nests, and caring for young wasps. Colony populations are at their highest in late summer and early fall.
Paper wasp colonies are small, and there is no worker caste, but there is a queen. Yellowjackets have three castes: the queen, males, and infertile females. The queen is cared for by the others. Most paper wasp and yellowjacket colony members do not survive the winter. Those that are able survive the cold conditions are mated queens that seek shelter in attics and other protected places.
Human Interaction and Urban Impact
Paper wasps and yellowjackets are considered beneficial insects because they prey on many insects that feed on trees and crops, including housefly and blowfly populations. They can become a nuisance during outdoor events, like picnics and festivals, in the late summer and early fall.
Wasps can cause a health concern due to the potential of allergic reactions to stings; yellowjackets are capable of stinging multiple times. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a wasp sting include swelling, nausea, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and shock. Any medical questions or concerns related to a paper wasp or yellowjacket sting should be directed towards a physician.
Prevention and Management Approaches
Because paper wasps and yellowjackets are beneficial, management should only be considered when they are entering homes and buildings, which results in an increased risk of stings.
To prevent wasps from going indoors, check the foundation, windows, and attic vents to ensure that they are sealed properly. While outside, decrease attractiveness to wasps by not wearing perfumes, hairspray, and bright-colored clothing, especially yellow, orange, red, and light-blue. If a wasp is encountered, do not swat at it; swatting will increase the chances of being stung.
If wasps enter the home, a homeowner can simply use a vacuum to remove them once they have landed. It is very important that those with an allergy to wasp stings do not risk being stung while trying to remove a wasp from the home. Occasionally wasps can build nests in walls and wall voids. In this case, call a pest management professional to treat the nests. If a wasp or yellowjacket nest must be removed, during the nighttime hours is best because most of the colony is in or on the nest.
Other Online Resources
For information regarding labels of chemical control options, please visit NPIC MAPL
