Identification
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Narrow-waisted wasp with long legs that dangle in flight. |
| Nest | Open hexagonal paper cells attached by a stalk—often under eaves, deck rails, or play equipment. |
| Colour | Browns with yellow or reddish markings depending on species. |
| Size | Workers vary; many similar to or slightly slimmer than yellowjackets. |
| Flight | Slower, more gliding flight than many yellowjackets. |
| Confusion | Aerial yellowjacket nests are enclosed paper balls; paper wasps are open umbrellas. |
Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) are common around Greater Vancouver homes where sheltered ledges mimic cliff overhangs. Small spring nests can grow through summer. Because the comb is open, people sometimes spot larvae in cells—another ID clue.
Behaviour & Habits
Colonies begin with an overwintered queen attaching a starter comb. Workers expand the nest and hunt caterpillars to feed larvae, while adults take nectar and sugary liquids. Defence increases if the nest is touched or if people work inches away—ladder and doorway conflicts are frequent customer stories.
Health & Property Risks
⚠ Health risk — professional removal recommended. Stings hurt; allergic reactions can be severe; nests beside doors create unavoidable proximity.
Property damage is usually minor—staining or paint scarring if nests are torn down without care.
Prevention
- Walk the eaves each April–May for golf-ball-sized starters.
- Move play equipment away from known nest zones until treated.
- Avoid pressure-washing nests; defensive stings follow.
- After removal, consider sealing attachment scars if your scope includes cosmetic follow-up.
How We Treat Paper Wasps
We remove or treat the comb using label-appropriate methods and PPE, often at dusk when flight calms. Ladder tie-off matters on two-storey eaves. We document rebuild-prone corners for optional screening.
See our wasp and hornet control service for Greater Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Are they pollinators?
A: They visit flowers but are not managed like honey bees; nest location drives control decisions.
Q: Can I knock it with a broom?
A: Risky; multiple stings likely—use professional service.
Q: Will they return next year?
A: New queens may pick the same sheltered corner; monitoring each spring helps.
Q: Indoor strays?
A: Occasionally individuals enter through open windows; a nest in a wall is different—inspect.
Q: Kids and schools?
A: Play structures need priority; book service before term events.
Q: Paint after removal?
A: Often yes to cover attachment scar; quote may list touch-up separately.
Professional Wasp & Hornet Control
Paper Wasp problems in Greater Vancouver require a systematic approach — inspection of the full property, elimination of the root cause, and documented follow-up. Our wasp & hornet control service covers all of this.
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