Paper Wasp

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 4/9/2026