Everything You Need to Know About Paper Wasps

One of the most prevalent types of wasps in Canada is the paper wasp. While they’ve earned a reputation for stinging, there’s plenty more to know about these potentially pesky insects. Summer is the high season for paper wasps, so if your home or business is suffering from an infestation, don’t hesitate to contact your experienced wasp nest removal company as soon as possible.

Where Do They Get Their Name?

The various types of wasps that fall under the umbrella category of paper wasps earn their name from creating nests out of chewed wood shavings and vegetation, giving it the hallmark look of brown paper.

How to Identify a Paper Wasp

Wasps are often mistaken for yellowjackets or hornets due to their similar body structure. According to Pest World, Paper wasps generally have a similar body shape to yellowjackets, but somewhat slimmer with a thin “waist,” with six long legs and an almost triangular side view, as well as two wings and antennae. They are mostly brown with some yellow coloration. Their colors fluctuate, as well, and can range from brown to yellow to red.

Paper wasps are also identified by looking at their nest. Often attached to a flat horizontal surface, they can be easily spotted by looking for the staple upside down comb shape.

Why do Paper Wasps Sting?

Like any insect, paper wasps are inclined to sting a person if they feel threatened. Since nests are often built on or near homes, it’s common for people to encroach on their territory unknowingly. Everyone responds to stings differently, but some of the more prevalent sting symptoms include:

• Localized swelling and pain at the site of the sting
• Nausea
• Vomiting and cramping
• Swelling of throat and lips
• Dizziness and confusion
• Hives 
• Rapid heartbeat

If you’re allergic to wasps and get stung, it’s vital to call for emergency help right away. Wasps are aggressive in protecting their nest, so you should never try to get rid of the nest yourself.

How Can a Wasp Removal Specialist Help?

Rather than angering the hive and making matters worse, it’s best to rely on the experts. Instead, call on your knowledgeable wasp removal specialist to save you the potential headache and to safely remove the hive from your home or business.

Don’t let wasps bug you, contact us for wasp control and wasp nest removal in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge. Avon Pest Control has a team of wasp exterminators who serve Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Langley, and all of Metro Vancouver. Call us today at 604-805-0278 and get rid of wasps in your property – residential or commercial!