Papper Wasps

Paper Wasp nests are built hanging from something. Here you see one hanging from a tree right now and one I’ve seen many times before – hanging from the top of my deck and the side of my home roof. They start small but get quite large.

There are 3 species of this insect: Golden Paper Wasp, European Paper Wasp. and the Western Paper Wast. All are very black and yellow but there are some differences, especially in Western Paper Wasp body. The one I have seen the most of around my home and property is the European Paper Wasp. This may be the one you see in your property here in WA. Why are they called Paper Wasps? It is because their nest looks like paper. And if you see this nest don’t worry too much about getting close to it. Although they look like Yellow Jacket Wasps, the Paper Wasps are not very aggressive. I got close in order to take pictures and the wasps did not fly out to sting me even when I got close several other times. I’ve had the opposite reaction from Yellow Jackets and some other wasps when I got close to take a picture or even just walked by their nest. Yes, Paper Wasps may sting if you get to close or try to touch them. But just get close to watch them and you will see a lot of activity around their nest. They will  also be out going after flowers and some small insects for food.

References to my article:

Pacific NorthWest Insects – Merrill A. Peterson

Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America – Arthur Evans

Bugs of Washington and Oregon – John Acorn and Ian Sheldon