Paper Wasp
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Brown and black Paper Wasps are found in Northern part of North America; brown, orange, and yellow Paper Wasps occupy the Southern Range of North America.
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A pair of light colored lines on the rear of the thorax
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A pair of orange to pale brown oval patches is found on either side of the abdomen.
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All females are potential queens.
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A typical worker does not exist – when a queen emerges, other females become workers.
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Not aggressive unless the nest is disturbed
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Nests are made from paper-like material in a U shape; a single layer of paper-like comb cells pointing downward, supported by a single long pedicel.
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Nests are usually small, only 300 cells up to the very maximum of 2,000 cells.
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Nests are built under protective foliage, i.e. under decks, behind
Introduction
Paper wasps get their common name from the paper like material of which they construct their nests. Is has been suggested that they be called umbrella wasps based on the shape of their nests. In the urban situation, these usually unaggressive wasps are a nuisance pest. Various species are found throughout the United States.
Paper wasps are semi-social, existing in small colonies. Nests consist of a single layer of a paper like comb with the cells opening downward. Paper wasps hang their comb nests from twigs and branches of trees and shrubs which cause concern when ornamental shrubs and hedges are trimmed or fruit is being pricked from trees. If a nest is contacted, there is high probability that person doing the trimming or fruit picking will get stung. Paper wasps also like to hang their comb nests from porch ceilings, the top member of window and door frames, soffits, eaves, attic rafters, deck floor joists and railings, etc… almost any protected place imaginable.
