Paper Wasp

Natural Habitat

Nests are typically built in sheltered locations such as under eaves, in attics, in sheds, or on tree branches. They are common in gardens, urban areas, and agricultural landscapes.

Diet & Feeding

Adult paper wasps feed on nectar, honeydew, and fruit juices. They prey on a variety of caterpillars and other insects to feed their larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Paper wasps are social insects that live in colonies. They build umbrella-shaped nests made from wood fibers mixed with saliva. Females lay eggs in the hexagonal cells of the nest, and the larvae are fed insects. They aggressively defend their nests if disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include painful stings if their nests are disturbed, especially for individuals allergic to wasp venom. Benefits include controlling pest insect populations (e.g., caterpillars) in gardens and agriculture, making them beneficial predators.

Identified on: 9/19/2025