Pest Control for Paper Wasps Richmond VA

If there is one stinging insect that causes more calls for pest control in Richmond, VA, than any other, it’s the Paper Wasp. These wasps are social, highly defensive, and love to build their nests right where we live. Knowing how to identify them and their nests is the first step in protecting your family from painful stings.

Paper Wasps are sleek, slender insects, typically measuring between 5/8 and 3/4 of an inch long. They are often confused with the more aggressive Yellow Jacket, but there are a few key characteristics that set them apart:

• Appearance and Color: While many people picture a bright yellow and black stripe, Paper Wasps in our area often have a more muted color profile. You will typically see them in shades of reddish-brown, dark brown, or black with varying patterns of yellow, orange, or reddish markings. They are noticeably skinnier than bees and often appear to have a long, tapered abdomen.
• Unique Flight: The easiest way to spot them is by their flight. When flying, their long rear legs hang down, or "dangle," beneath their bodies, giving them a distinctive, almost clumsy look.
• The Queen/Workers: The queen is not much larger than the workers, but the whole colony is focused on her. If you see them coming and going from a single spot, you have found a colony.

Paper Wasps get their name from their intricate paper nests they create by chewing wood fibers and mixing them with their saliva. The nests are easy to spot and identify, which is helpful for homeowners but also a significant safety concern:

• The Shape: Paper wasp nests look like a single, open-faced comb or an upside-down umbrella with visible hexagonal cells on the bottom. Unlike a hornet nest, which is sealed inside a papery envelope, the Paper Wasp nest is exposed.
• The Location (The High Threat): They favor protected areas that are also high up and away from rain. This means they are almost always found on or near your home's structure. Common spots include:
  
  • Under the eaves and roof overhangs
  • Under deck ceilings and railings
  • In the corners of sheds, garages, and carports
  • Inside unused grills or pipes

Unlike the solitary Mud Dauber, the Paper Wasp is highly social, meaning dozens of wasps are protecting the nest. When they feel threatened—and simply getting too close is enough—they will deliver painful stings and can sting repeatedly. This defensiveness is why they are the leading cause of stinging emergencies on residential property.

If you see a Paper Wasp nest on your property in Richmond, DO NOT try to knock it down yourself. Their warning pheromones can quickly trigger the entire colony to swarm and attack.

For safe and effective Paper Wasp removal, you need a local expert. Our team specializes in targeted wasp nest removal in Richmond, VA, ensuring the entire nest and its defenders are eliminated safely so you and your family can enjoy your yard again without worrying about a painful encounter.