Paper Wasps

Paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets construct nests of a paper-like material which is a mixture of finely chewed wood fragments and salivary secretions of the wasps.

Paper wasps typically build their umbrella-shaped nests under eaves and ledges.  In this area, nests are open-faced and range in size from very small to larger than the palm of your hand  
There are many species of paper wasps with a corresponding variety of colors and markings.  The most common species we deal with are brown, black or black and yellow. These wasps are not as aggressive as yellowjackets or hornets.

Hornets and Yellow Jackets build large enclosed paper nests either below ground or above ground.  These aggressive creatures are the wasps most likely to confront humans or pets.  Simply being near the nest is all that is required to be stung.

Nesting on structures can be reduced or prevented by treating likely nesting surfaces prior to and during the nest building season (May-September).  Paper wasps, hornets and yellowjackets are a potential health threat to New Englanders. Hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people in the United States die each year from allergic reactions to the venom of these insects.  They are dangerous and should be treated with respect.  Nests should be eliminated with great care and in a specific manner   

Nests in wall voids should definitely not be treated with over the counter, pressurized liquid insecticides as these materials may cause the wasps to swarm into the living space after chewing through sheet rock to escape the chemical.

Treatment is best performed by professional pest control companies with the correct tools for the situation.

Following treatment, wait a day to ensure that the colony is destroyed before removing the nest.

University of Kentucky Entomology