Paper Wasp

Found worldwide, often nesting in sheltered locations including eaves of houses, utility poles, and dense vegetation in gardens and woodlands.

Adults primarily consume nectar and pollen for energy. They hunt caterpillars, beetle larvae, and flies to feed to their developing larvae.

Semi-social insects that build open, water-resistant nests made of chewed wood fibers (paper). Unlike yellowjackets, they are generally non-aggressive unless their nest is directly threatened.

Benefits: They are natural pest controllers that reduce garden-damaging insects and provide some pollination. Risks: They possess a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive individuals.