Is Paper Wasps Dangerous?

Getting stung by paper wasps can be a very painful experience. While it is not always fatal, it can be very unpleasant and lead to severe allergic reactions.

Usually, paper wasps do not sting humans unless they feel threatened. However, if you accidentally step on one of these insects, they may sting multiple times. If you feel you have a serious reaction to a wasp sting, seek medical attention immediately.

Paper wasps are a type of social wasp that lives in colonies. Each colony contains a queen, workers and larvae. The workers serve as caretakers for the colony and collect insects for the queen to lay eggs. The larvae feed on other insects.

Normally, the largest colonies of paper wasps are the summer colonies. In the summer, the queen leaves the hibernation site to establish her nest. This nest grows rapidly during the summer and has a maximum size in early fall. A typical mature colony consists of twenty to seventy-five adults.

A paper wasp nest is shaped like a tiny umbrella. These nests are usually about eight inches in diameter and contain dozens of wasps. They are made of wood fiber collected from plants.

The female paper wasps brandish stingers. They are very territorial and will attack perceived threats. It is best to keep paper wasps away from your home. If you are unable to do this, you may need to call a specialist to remove the nest.

If you have a wasp sting, rinse the wound with water. Afterward, use antihistamines to help ease the symptoms. If you are still stinging, call a specialist.