Common Paper Wasp

Natural Habitat

Gardens, woodlands, and urban areas near human structures like eaves, attics, and porch ceilings.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on nectar and fruit juices; larvae are fed pre-chewed insects like caterpillars, flies, and beetle larvae.

Behavior Patterns

Semi-social insects that build open-celled paper nests from chewed wood fibers. They are generally less aggressive than yellowjackets but will defend their nest if disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: They act as natural pest control by hunting garden pests. Risks: They possess a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Identified on: 2/17/2026