Pest Guide > Stinging Insects > Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp

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Appearance

• Smooth bodies


• Usually dark brown with yellow markings


• Body can be up to three-fourths of an inch long with slender waist


• When flying, can be recognized by two rear legs "hanging down"

Behavior

• Nests are made of paper-like combs and found hanging under eaves, door frames, soffits, deck rails, roofs, porches, trees, shrubs, etc.


• Very protective of their nests


• Nests are not reused


• New colonies begin each spring

Diet

• Scavengers prefer proteins - spiders, small insects and small animals