Paper Wasps (Polistes)

Paper Wasp Removal

Professional Paper Wasp Nest Removal

Paper wasps are common throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. They are frequently found nesting around homes, businesses, barns, sheds, porches, decks, and other structures.

Unlike yellowjackets and bald-faced hornets, which construct enclosed paper nests, paper wasps build open-comb nests that are often attached beneath protected surfaces.

Their nests may appear beneath roof overhangs, porch ceilings, decks, eaves, and other sheltered locations around a property.

Hornet King provides professional paper wasp nest removal services throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas of Maryland and Delaware.

What Are Paper Wasps?

Paper wasps belong to the genus Polistes and are social wasps that construct distinctive open-comb nests.

The name “paper wasp” comes from the nest material. Paper wasps chew wood fibers and other plant material, mixing them with saliva to create a paper-like nest structure.

Unlike enclosed yellowjacket and hornet nests, a paper wasp nest typically has visible open cells where developing larvae can be seen.

Paper wasps are important predators of many caterpillars and other insects. However, a nest located close to human activity can create a stinging hazard.

What Does a Paper Wasp Nest Look Like?

Paper wasp nests are among the easiest wasp nests to identify.

A typical paper wasp nest:

  • Has an exposed, open-comb structure

  • Contains visible hexagonal cells

  • Is attached by a single narrow stalk

  • Is usually not enclosed in a paper envelope

  • May contain eggs, larvae, and developing wasps

Paper wasp nests are often relatively small compared to the large enclosed nests constructed by some yellowjackets and hornets.

However, the size of the nest can vary depending on the species, season, and colony development.

Where Do Paper Wasps Build Their Nests?

Paper wasps commonly choose locations that provide protection from weather while still allowing easy access to the outside.

Common nesting locations include:

  • Under roof overhangs

  • Beneath eaves

  • Under porch ceilings

  • Beneath decks

  • Under balconies

  • Inside sheds

  • Around barns and outbuildings

  • Under bridges and other structures

  • Beneath outdoor furniture

  • Around windows and doors

  • Inside protected areas of buildings

Paper wasps may also construct nests in natural locations such as vegetation, tree branches, and other sheltered areas.

Paper Wasp Nests Around Your Home

Paper wasps frequently build nests on or around structures.

A nest near a front door, porch, deck, or other frequently used area may result in repeated encounters between people and the wasps.

Paper wasps may become defensive when their nest is disturbed.

Common situations that may disturb a paper wasp nest include:

  • Opening a shed door

  • Walking beneath a nest

  • Working on a porch or deck

  • Trimming vegetation

  • Cleaning an exterior wall

  • Performing home maintenance

  • Painting or repairing a structure

A nest located in an area that is rarely disturbed may not create a significant problem. However, a nest located directly above a doorway or in a high-traffic area may require professional removal.

Are Paper Wasps Dangerous?

Paper wasps are capable of stinging and may defend their nest when they perceive a threat.

They are generally less associated with aggressive defensive behavior than some yellowjacket species. However, individual wasp behavior can vary, and disturbing an active nest may result in defensive wasps emerging.

Paper wasp nests may be particularly concerning when located near:

  • Doors and entrances

  • Porches

  • Decks

  • Play areas

  • Outdoor seating areas

  • Walkways

  • Businesses

  • Frequently used work areas

Anyone who discovers a paper wasp nest should avoid disturbing it.

Paper Wasp Nest Removal

Hornet King provides professional paper wasp nest removal services for residential, commercial, agricultural, and other properties.

The appropriate approach may depend on:

  • The location of the nest

  • The size of the colony

  • The height of the nest

  • The accessibility of the area

  • The level of human activity nearby

  • The condition of the surrounding structure

Professional paper wasp nest removal may include:

  • Removal of active paper wasp nests

  • Removal of nests around homes

  • Removal of nests from porches and decks

  • Removal of nests from sheds and outbuildings

  • Removal of difficult-to-reach nests

  • Emergency paper wasp removal

Paper Wasps vs. Yellowjackets

Paper wasps and yellowjackets are both social wasps, but their nesting habits are very different.

Paper wasps generally construct exposed, open-comb nests.

Yellowjackets may construct enclosed paper nests in the ground, walls, attics, trees, and other concealed locations.

Paper wasp nests are often immediately recognizable by their open cells and single supporting stalk.

If you are unsure what type of wasp or nest you have found, avoid disturbing it and contact a professional for identification.

Paper Wasp Nest in a House

Paper wasps may construct nests on many different parts of a home.

Potential nesting locations include:

  • Eaves

  • Soffits

  • Porch ceilings

  • Decks

  • Window areas

  • Doorways

  • Garages

  • Sheds

  • Attics and other protected spaces

Because paper wasps prefer sheltered locations, the exterior features of a building can provide numerous potential nesting sites.

Regularly used areas should be approached carefully if wasp activity is present.

How to Prevent Paper Wasps From Building Nests

Paper wasps may return to locations that provide suitable shelter and protection.

Potential ways to reduce future nesting opportunities may include:

  • Sealing unnecessary openings in structures

  • Repairing damaged exterior areas

  • Maintaining screens and vents

  • Addressing gaps beneath structures

  • Removing abandoned nests when appropriate

  • Reducing sheltered areas that provide easy access

However, any active paper wasp nest should be addressed carefully before attempting to remove it.

Have You Found a Paper Wasp Nest?

If you have discovered a paper wasp nest around your home, business, barn, shed, or other structure, do not disturb the nest.

Hornet King can help identify the nest and provide professional paper wasp removal when the colony is located in an area where it creates a hazard or significant nuisance.

Hornet King serves customers throughout Lancaster, Chester, York, Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, and Adams Counties, as well as surrounding areas of Maryland and Delaware.

Need a paper wasp nest removed?

Call or text Hornet King today to schedule professional paper wasp removal service.

Hornet King — Professional Paper Wasp & Stinging Insect Removal