Pestipedia

Red Paper Wasps

**Red Paper Wasps** (*Polistes* spp., often reddish-brown species like *P. carolina*) are social wasps that build exposed, umbrella-shaped paper nests. The conflict is **defensive stinging and public health risk**: while they are important natural predators of insect pests, they are highly aggressive when their nest is approached or disturbed, inflicting painful stings that can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Taxonomy and Classification

Paper Wasps belong to the Family Vespidae (Vespid Wasps). They form annual colonies led by a single queen (in early stages) that builds the nest cells and produces workers.

Physical Description

Adults are $15-25\text{ mm}$ long.

  • **Adult (Key ID):** Slender body with a very narrow waist; long legs dangle visibly during flight; reddish-brown color with yellow or dark markings.
  • **Nest (Key ID):** Gray, exposed paper comb, attached to a structure (e.g., eave, porch, branch) by a single pedicel (stem).
  • **Sting ID:** Highly painful; they can sting repeatedly.
  • **Conflict:** Public Health, Nuisance.

Distribution and Habitat

Found globally, common in urban and suburban areas. Habitat includes eaves, porch ceilings, window frames, trees, and dense shrubbery, where the nest is protected from rain.

Behavior and Conflict

The conflict is defense of the developing brood.

  • **Prey Capture:** Workers are beneficial, actively hunting caterpillars, flies, and other insects to feed their larvae.
  • **Nest Defense:** They will readily sting in response to vibration or direct intrusion near the nest.

Management and Prevention

Management is **Targeted Nest Treatment**.

  • **Chemical Control (Key):**
       

             

    • Applying an aerosol spray or insecticidal dust directly to the nest, optimally **after dark** when all workers and the queen are inside.

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  • **Exclusion:**
       

             

    • Sealing or filling small openings and voids in structures (before spring) to prevent queen establishment.

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    • Conservation and Research

    Research focuses on their communication and social structures. Their beneficial predatory role is considered important for integrated pest management in agriculture.