How Many Wasps in a Paper Wasp Nest?

During the summer, paper wasps form colonies that can grow to more than 5,000 wasps. If you find a paper wasp nest, you will have to treat it to remove the stinging wasps.

The nests are constructed of wood fibers that are collected from nearby plants. Paper wasps feed on nectar and insect larvae, such as flies. The nests are sturdier than you might expect.

In late summer, paper wasp colonies grow rapidly. They will reach a maximum size of about 10,000 wasps. These nests are often found under porches, roof overhangs, and window frames.

When a queen is mated, she leaves her nest and starts a new one. Other females will join her and help build the nest. The nests are constructed of a comb-like structure.

The nest will contain cells that are filled with young wasp larvae. These larvae are fed on plant nectar and caterpillars. Once the larvae reach a pupation stage, the wasps seal over the entrance to the cell.

In early autumn, the queen will lay eggs in the cell. These eggs will hatch into workers and eventually emerge as young wasps.

The queen and workers continue to add hexagonal cells to the nest. This is done to maintain the internal temperature. The nest will grow to about 200 cells by the time it is mature.

The nests are sturdier and more durable than you might think. It can be broken apart with a long-handled tool.