Paper Wasps: The Uninvited Guests That You Definitely Don’t Want at Your BBQ

What Are Paper Wasps and Why Are They So Awful?

Paper wasps belong to the Polistes genus, and they get their name from the papery substance they use to construct their nests. No, they don’t make their homes from actual paper (though that would be cool if they did, right?). Instead, they chew wood fibers and mix them with their saliva to create a sturdy, paper-like material that can withstand a fair amount of weather. And they can get creative, too—forming large, umbrella-like nests under eaves, tree branches, and even in your backyard shed.

But here's the kicker: while they may look harmless at first glance, paper wasps are aggressive when defending their nests. Don’t be fooled by their slender bodies and large wings—they’re known to attack if they feel threatened, and their stings are painful! So, if you’re one of those people who likes to think they can handle a little buzz in their ear, take note: these wasps can be a little more than just a nuisance.

Why Are Paper Wasps So Dangerous?

Here’s the thing about paper wasps: they don’t just sting you once and move on. Oh no, they’ll keep coming back if they feel their territory is being invaded. This means that if you accidentally wander too close to their nest or provoke them in any way (like swinging at them with a newspaper—don’t do that), they’ll retaliate. A single sting isn’t usually life-threatening for most people, but it can cause swelling, redness, and a fair amount of pain. If you're allergic to insect stings, though, things could get serious quickly, so it's always better to err on the side of caution.

How to Spot Paper Wasp Nests

Identifying a paper wasp nest is your first line of defense. If you don’t know where their nest is, you might find yourself in a sticky situation. Literally.

These nests are typically grayish and have a distinctive, umbrella-like shape. They can be pretty big, sometimes reaching up to 10 inches or more in diameter, and are often built under sheltered areas like the eaves of houses, on tree branches, or even inside attics. Their nests are made up of hexagonal cells, which is another reason they’re sometimes called "umbrella wasps." Paper wasps tend to build their nests in places that are a bit more secluded, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Still, if you've got a nest in your attic or near a popular spot in your garden, it's time to take action!

Don’t confuse these with yellow jackets, though—while both are a type of wasp, yellow jackets tend to be more aggressive and are known for building their nests in the ground, not up high like paper wasps.

The Sneaky DIY Solutions for Getting Rid of Paper Wasps

Now that you know what you’re dealing with, let’s talk strategy. If you find a paper wasp nest lurking near your home, you’re going to want to get rid of it. But how? Well, you’ve got some options, and no, it doesn't involve running screaming into the house while swatting wildly at the air.

1. Soap and Water Spray

If you're not a fan of harsh chemicals (or if you just want to feel like a DIY genius), soap and water can actually do the trick. Mix up a simple solution with about two tablespoons of dish soap and water in a spray bottle. When you approach the nest, spray directly onto the wasps and their nest. The soap clogs their breathing pores, rendering them helpless. It’s like a wasp-specific version of putting them into a temporary, soapy timeout. However, this method works best when the nest is small, and you'll need to be super careful not to anger them first!

2. Peppermint Oil Spray

You’ve probably heard that peppermint oil can do everything from repelling bugs to adding a fresh scent to your home. Turns out, it’s also a useful tool for keeping paper wasps at bay. Mix a few teaspoons of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spray it around areas where you’ve spotted wasps. The strong scent is highly irritating to them, and they’ll likely go find somewhere else to hang out. It’s natural, effective, and it’ll make your garden smell minty fresh!

3. Wasp Traps

Wasp traps are a simple, no-hassle way to get rid of paper wasps. You can purchase a pre-made trap or make one yourself with a bottle. Just cut the top off a plastic bottle, invert it into the bottom part (so it forms a funnel), and fill it with a bit of sugary bait (like soda or juice). Hang the trap near the wasp nest, and watch them fly right into the trap, never to return. It’s kind of like sending them on a one-way trip to the wasp equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet.

4. Call a Professional

If the nest is too high up, too large, or too active for you to handle safely, it might be time to call in the experts. Pest control professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to deal with wasps in a way that minimizes the risk to you, your family, and your home. Sure, it might cost a bit more than a DIY solution, but if you're dealing with a massive paper wasp infestation, it’s definitely worth it.

Prevention: How to Keep Paper Wasps Away for Good

So, you’ve dealt with the paper wasps—now what? Do they just waltz back in and start building new nests right where they left off? Not if you follow these simple tips for keeping them away.

1. Seal Entry Points: Wasps can enter your home through the smallest cracks and crevices. Check your attic, eaves, and any other sheltered areas for gaps and seal them up.

2. Remove Old Nests: Once you’ve taken care of the wasps, remove the nest. Even if they’re gone, the scent can attract other wasps. A good scrub down with a bleach solution will help.

3. Install Wasps Traps Early: Prevent future invasions by setting up traps at the start of the season. It’ll help reduce the number of wasps before they even think about making a nest.

4. Keep Your Yard Clean: Wasps are attracted to food sources like sugary drinks or fruit trees. Keep your garden clean and dispose of fallen fruit regularly.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Paper Wasps Ruin Your Summer

In the grand scheme of pests, paper wasps may be one of the more frustrating, but they’re manageable. A little preparation, a bit of DIY ingenuity, and a healthy dose of caution will help you enjoy your outdoor spaces without feeling like you’re living in a bad action movie every time you step outside. So, arm yourself with your newfound knowledge, and take back your backyard from these winged invaders.