Quick Paper Wasp Extermination & Nest Removal Richmond VA

If youve lived in Richmond VA for even a summer, you have seen a Paper Wasp. They are the most common stinging insect we deal with. Whether they are  under your porch roof or hiding in your patio umbrella, they have a knack for building nests exactly where you want to relax.

While hornets are massive and yellowjackets are short and stocky, Paper Wasps have a very distinct look.

• The Dangle: The easiest way to spot a Paper Wasp is by how it flies. While other wasps tuck their legs in, Paper Wasps let their long back legs dangle down while they are in the air.

• Appearance: They have a very slender, pinched waist.

• Colors: They come in a wide variety of colors. In our area, you’ll see them in shades of reddish-brown, dark brown, orange and yellow

• Size: They are usually about 0.5 to 1.5 inches long.

Paper Wasps get their name from the papery material they use to build their homes. Unlike the Bald-Faced Hornet, which builds a fully enclosed nest, Paper Wasps build an open-faced nest.

• The Design: The nest looks like a single layer of hexagonal chambers that hold larvae. Because it’s often shaped like an upside-down umbrella, many people call them Umbrella Wasps.

• The Material: They chew up wood fibers and mix them with saliva to create a grey, papery pulp.

• Where They Build: They are experts at finding sheltered spots. You will find them:
  • In the eaves and A-frames of your house.
  • Under deck boards and handrailings.
  • Inside patio umbrellas.
  • Tucked into bushes or even inside your mailbox.

Paper Wasps are generally considered semi-social. They aren't quite as attack ready as a yellowjacket, but they will absolutely defend their nest if you get too close.

• The Sting: Their sting is sharp and painful. While the venom isn't as potent as a hornet's, it still causes significant swelling and burning.

• Allergies: For most people, it's a few days of discomfort. However, for those with a stinging insect allergy, a Paper Wasp sting is a serious medical concern and should be treated as such.

• Predators: One thing many people don't know is that Paper Wasps are actually beneficial in the garden. They hunt caterpillars and other garden pests to feed their larvae. 

Like most wasps in Richmond, their life cycle is annual. A lone queen survives the winter by hiding in a protected spot (like under your siding or in your attic). In the spring, she starts a brand-new nest. By late summer, the colony is at its peak size. Once the first hard freeze hits in late fall, the workers will die off, and the cycle starts all over again.

I believe in being honest with my customers. For most small paper wasp nests, you probably don’t need to pay a professional. If you aren't allergic and can reach the nest safely, a $6 can of spray from the hardware store will usually do the trick.

Even though it's a simple job, there are a few reasons homeowners in Richmond choose to call me:

• High Peaks: If the nest is 20 feet up on an A-frame or a chimney, it’s not worth the risk of climbing a ladder while being swarmed.

• Non-Staining Products: Many store-bought sprays are oily and can leave permanent "grease" stains on vinyl siding or dark shutters. I use a professional-grade aerosol that kills instantly but won't leave a mark on your home.

• Safety & Allergies: If you’re allergic, or if the nest is in a tricky spot like a crawl space or an attic, it’s safer to let a pro in a suit handle it.

When I come out, the job is quick. I use a high-pressure aerosol that targets the wasps' nervous system, dropping them almost immediately. Once the activity stops, I knock the nest down and remove it so you don't have to look at it anymore.

My minimum for this service is $150, which is often much lower than the big corporate companies that charge $225 or more. If I can save you money by giving you advice over the phone, I’ll do it. But if you want it handled safely and professionally, I’m more than happy to help.