European Paper Wasp

Gardens, woodlands, meadows, and near human structures like eaves, porches, and sheds

Adults consume nectar, honeydew, and fruit juices. Larvae are fed chewed insects, mainly caterpillars and flies.

Social wasps that build small, open-comb umbrella-shaped nests from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva. They are diurnal, active foragers during warmer months.

Benefits: Excellent biological pest control that hunts soft-bodied garden pests like caterpillars. Risks: Can inflict painful stings repeatedly if they or their nests are disturbed, posing a severe allergic reaction risk to sensitive individuals.