Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Adult worker wasps typically range from 15-25 mm in length. Queens are slightly larger, but the size difference is not always obvious.
Coloration: Australian paper wasps are typically reddish-brown or dark brown, often with yellow, orange, or darker bands and markings on their abdomen and thorax. The exact pattern varies between the different native (Polistes humilis, Polistes variabilis) and introduced (Polistes chinensis) species.
Biology & Lifecycle
Reproduction
The founding queen lays eggs continuously throughout the spring and summer. The rate of colony growth depends on food availability and climate.
Generations Per Year
Typically one colony lifecycle per year. The colony dies off in late autumn, with only the newly mated queens surviving to hibernate through winter.
Social Structure
They are social insects with a caste system consisting of a queen, female workers, and (later in the season) males. The queen is the primary reproductive individual, while workers perform all other colony duties.
Development Time
The entire process from egg to adult takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Seasonal Cycle
Spring: Queen builds nest and raises first workers. Summer: Colony expands and is at its peak size and activity. Autumn: New queens and males are produced and mate; colony declines. Winter: Founding queen and all workers die; new mated queens hibernate.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
The lifecycle begins in spring when a founding queen emerges from hibernation. She starts a new nest by laying a single egg in each newly constructed hexagonal cell. The eggs are small, white, and sausage-shaped.
Larval Stage
After a few days, the eggs hatch into legless, grub-like larvae. The queen and later the workers feed the larvae a diet of pre-chewed caterpillars and other insects. This stage lasts for approximately two weeks, during which the larvae moult several times as they grow within their cells.
Pupal Stage
Once a larva is fully grown, it spins a silk cap over its cell and pupates. During this stage, it transforms from a larva into an adult wasp. This metamorphosis takes about 10-14 days, depending on temperature. The pupae do not feed.
Adult Stage
The first brood of adults to emerge are all sterile female workers. Their job is to forage, expand the nest, and care for the next generation of larvae, while the queen focuses solely on laying more eggs. The colony grows throughout the summer, and can eventually number from a dozen to over 100 individuals. Late in the season, the queen lays eggs that develop into fertile males and new queens.
Reproduction Rate
The founding queen lays eggs continuously throughout the spring and summer. The rate of colony growth depends on food availability and climate.
Generations Per Year
Typically one colony lifecycle per year. The colony dies off in late autumn, with only the newly mated queens surviving to hibernate through winter.
Development Time
The entire process from egg to adult takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Seasonal Cycle
Spring: Queen builds nest and raises first workers. Summer: Colony expands and is at its peak size and activity. Autumn: New queens and males are produced and mate; colony declines. Winter: Founding queen and all workers die; new mated queens hibernate.
Environmental Factors
The lifecycle is heavily dependent on temperature and the availability of insect prey for larvae and nectar for adults. Mild winters and warm springs can lead to larger and more numerous colonies.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Sheltered locations on man-made structures are highly favoured.
- Under the eaves and soffits of houses.
- In roof voids, sheds, and garages.
- On fences, under outdoor furniture, inside unused BBQs, and around playground equipment.
- In dense shrubs and trees in the garden.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Paper wasps (both native and introduced) are found in all states and territories of Australia.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Extremely common in urban and suburban environments due to the abundance of ideal nesting sites on buildings and structures. Also found in rural areas.
Introduction History
The Asian Paper Wasp was first detected in Sydney in the late 1980s and has spread rapidly since.
Current Spread
Widespread and abundant in most populated areas of Australia.
Limiting Factors
Harsh winters can reduce the survival rate of hibernating queens. Very arid environments may limit their success due to a lack of water and prey.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Diurnal. They are active during the day, foraging for food, water, and nest-building materials. They return to the nest at night and remain largely inactive.
Foraging Behavior
Adult wasps primarily feed on sugary substances like nectar and honeydew. However, they are predatory, hunting caterpillars, spiders, and other soft-bodied insects to feed to the developing larvae. This makes them beneficial for garden pest control.
Nesting Behavior
They build their distinctive nests from a mixture of chewed wood fibres and saliva, which dries into a grey, paper-like material. The nest consists of a single, open comb of hexagonal cells, attached by a single stalk (pedicle).
Territorial Behavior
Paper wasps are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their nest and the immediate vicinity. They will attack any person or animal they perceive as a threat, often in swarms.
Defensive Behavior
Highly defensive. When a threat is detected, wasps on the nest will raise their wings and posture towards it. If the threat continues, they will launch a coordinated attack, stinging the intruder repeatedly.
Communication
Communication is primarily through chemical signals (pheromones). An alarm pheromone is released when the nest is threatened, which quickly recruits other wasps to attack and sting.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Adults visit flowers for nectar. They hunt live prey to provide protein for their young.
Primary Food Sources
- Caterpillars (a primary food source for larvae).
- Other soft-bodied insects and spiders.
- Nectar from flowering plants (for adult energy).
- Honeydew from aphids.
- Occasionally attracted to sugary drinks and human food at picnics and outdoor dining areas.
Foraging Range
They will typically forage within a few hundred metres of the nest.
Feeding Schedule
Foraging occurs throughout the daylight hours.
Seasonal Diet Changes
The diet of the larvae is consistently insect-based. Adult diet may shift with the availability of different flowering plants.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Paper wasps are not known to transmit diseases.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
Their venom contains proteins and enzymes that are potent allergens. A sting can trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction in sensitised individuals.
Contamination Risk
Negligible risk of food contamination.
Vulnerable Populations
- Individuals with a known allergy to wasp or bee stings.
- Children, who may unknowingly disturb a nest.
- Gardeners and outdoor workers.
- Anyone who is stung multiple times, as the cumulative dose of venom can be significant.
Symptoms of Exposure
- For a typical sting: immediate, intense, burning pain, followed by a red, swollen, and itchy welt.
- For a systemic allergic reaction: hives, rash, and itching in areas away from the sting site.
- For anaphylaxis: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, dizziness, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency.
- Multiple stings can lead to more severe pain, swelling, and potentially toxic reactions even in non-allergic people.
Transmission Methods
- The only health risk is from the injection of venom via a sting.
Risk Severity
Moderate to High, depending on the individual's sensitivity. The primary risk is from stings.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$150 - $400 for professional nest removal, depending on location and accessibility.
Prevention Costs
$20 - $100 annually for preventative surface sprays on eaves.
Diy Treatment
$15 - $30 for a can of wasp killer spray.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None. Their nests are made of paper and do not damage the surfaces they are attached to.
Garden Damage
None. They are beneficial to gardens by controlling caterpillar populations.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
Can build nests inside machinery, BBQ's, or electrical boxes, which can cause issues but rarely significant damage.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Can be a nuisance in outdoor dining areas, bothering customers and potentially stinging them.
Retail Impact
Nests on shopfronts or in customer areas can deter customers and pose a liability risk.
Reputation Damage
A business with a visible wasp problem can be perceived as unsafe or poorly maintained.
Operational Disruption
May disrupt outdoor work for tradespeople, gardeners, and agricultural workers.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
No direct crop damage. They can be a pest in vineyards by damaging grapes when foraging for sugar, but this is minor compared to their beneficial role.
Yield Loss
Minimal.
Beneficial Aspects
A significant natural predator of many pest insects, especially caterpillars, which feed on agricultural and horticultural crops. Their role as biocontrol agents is economically beneficial.
Economic Loss
The main economic impact is the cost of removal and medical treatment for stings, which is likely outweighed by their free pest control services in many contexts.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Significant costs associated with emergency room visits, adrenaline autoinjectors (e.g., EpiPens), and specialist immunology services for those with allergies.
Cleanup Costs
Minimal.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
Costs for businesses to have regular pest inspections and preventative treatments.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- The most obvious sign is the visible paper nest.
- A steady stream of wasps flying to and from a particular location, especially under an eave or into a bush.
- Seeing wasps scraping wood fibre from fences, outdoor furniture, or decking.
- An increase in the number of wasps seen around the garden or property.
Physical Evidence
- The nest itself is the primary physical evidence. It starts small in spring and grows throughout the summer.
- Discarded pupal caps may be found on the ground below the nest.
Behavioral Signs
- Observing wasps defending a specific area aggressively.
- Wasps consistently landing on and entering a specific crack or hole in a wall or structure.
- Wasps collecting water from bird baths, pools, or dripping taps.
Seasonal Indicators
- In spring, a single queen starting a small, golf-ball-sized nest.
- In summer, a larger, more active nest the size of a hand or bigger.
- In autumn, activity around the nest may seem more erratic as the colony declines.
Early Warning Signals
- Spotting a single queen building the initial cells of a nest in spring.
- Noticing a small number of wasps consistently in the same area.
- Finding a small, abandoned nest from a previous season can indicate the area is a favourable nesting site.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Reduce available food sources by keeping sugary drinks and food covered during outdoor activities.
- Clean up spills and food waste immediately.
- Use rubbish bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Paper wasps hunt live prey, so general garden sanitation has limited effect on preventing them, but it can reduce other pests.
Exclusion Methods
- The most effective prevention is to treat potential nesting sites.
- In early spring, carefully inspect common nesting areas like eaves, sheds, and pergolas for newly forming nests and remove them while they are small (only a single queen present).
- Seal any cracks or holes in walls, soffits, or around utility lines to prevent them from nesting in cavities.
- Install insect screens on vents and other openings.
Landscaping Tips
- While they are beneficial predators, if you wish to discourage them from high-traffic areas, avoid planting dense shrubbery right next to doorways and paths where they might build concealed nests.
- Regularly inspect playground equipment, outdoor furniture, and other garden structures for nests.
- Remove any old, abandoned nests, as the location may be attractive to new queens the following year.
Monitoring Strategies
- Conduct visual inspections of your property's exterior every couple of weeks during spring.
- Pay close attention to the northern and western sides of the building, as they often prefer these warmer locations.
- A professional preventative treatment involves applying a residual insecticide to common nesting surfaces like eaves and window frames in early spring.
Environmental Modification
- Reduce available water sources by fixing leaky taps and emptying standing water in buckets or pots.
- While they collect wood fibre, it's impractical to eliminate all sources (fences, decks, etc.). A painted or sealed surface is less attractive to them than bare, weathered wood.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Professionals use fast-acting aerosol insecticides with a long-reach nozzle to treat the nest from a safe distance. They may also use insecticidal dust applied directly to the nest or into a cavity where a nest is concealed.
Biological Control
Not a viable option for pest control.
Physical Control
Professionals can physically remove the nest after the wasps have been killed to prevent re-colonisation or secondary pest issues.
Integrated Approach
A professional will identify the species, assess the risk, use the appropriate chemical treatment to eliminate the colony, remove the nest, and advise on preventative measures to stop future infestations.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
Soapy water or vinegar solutions are sometimes suggested but are generally not effective, require getting dangerously close to the nest, and can anger the wasps without killing them quickly.
Home Made Traps
Wasp traps can catch some foraging workers but will not eliminate the nest or the queen, and are therefore not an effective control method.
Deterrent Methods
Fake nests (e.g., paper bags) are sometimes used as deterrents with the theory that wasps are territorial. The effectiveness of this is highly debated and not reliable.
Mechanical Control
DIY treatment using a registered wasp-killer aerosol spray. This should ONLY be attempted at night or very early in the morning when the wasps are on the nest and inactive. Always have a clear escape route and wear protective clothing.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Professional treatment has a near 100% success rate. DIY treatment can be effective on small, easily accessible nests but carries a high risk of being stung.
Timeframe
Treatment with a registered insecticide kills the colony within minutes to a few hours.
Follow Up Required
Usually not required for a single nest treatment, but a follow-up check may be needed if the nest is in a concealed location to ensure all wasps have been eliminated.
Seasonal Considerations
It is best to treat nests as early as possible in the season before they become large and populous.
Application Techniques
- Treat nests at dusk or dawn when all wasps are present and less active.
- Use a product designed for wasps that sprays in a jet, not a mist, from a safe distance.
- Thoroughly saturate the entire nest.
- Never stand directly underneath the nest when treating it.
Professional Services
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Hibernating queens emerge, select a nest site, and begin building a nest. She raises the first brood of workers by herself. Nests are small and populations are low.
Summer Activity
The colony grows rapidly as workers take over foraging and nest-building duties. Nests reach their maximum size and the population is at its peak. This is when they are most often noticed and become a pest.
Autumn Activity
The colony's focus shifts to producing new queens and males. The founding queen dies, and the colony begins to decline. Wasps may seem more agitated or listless.
Winter Activity
The entire colony, including all workers and males, dies off with the onset of cold weather. Only the newly mated queens survive by hibernating in sheltered locations like under bark or in building crevices.
Breeding Season
The queen breeds continuously from spring to late summer. New reproductive individuals are produced in autumn.
Peak Activity Period
Infestations are most problematic and noticeable in mid to late summer.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm weather accelerates their entire lifecycle and increases foraging activity. Cold weather is the primary killer of the annual colony.
Humidity Effects
They need water, so drought can stress a colony. High humidity is generally not an issue.
Photoperiod Effects
Decreasing day length in autumn is a key environmental cue that triggers the production of new queens and males.
Weather Patterns
Heavy rain and strong winds can damage nests and disrupt foraging.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not officially declared a pest in most jurisdictions, but they are recognised as a public health nuisance, and control is permitted.
Control Regulations
The use of insecticides is governed by national and state regulations. Products must be registered with the APVMA and used according to the label directions.
Professional Requirements
A pest management technician license is required to apply insecticides commercially.
Environmental Considerations
Care must be taken when spraying to avoid drift onto non-target organisms or into waterways. While paper wasps are predators, their removal is generally considered a low environmental risk compared to the human safety risk they pose.
Compliance Requirements
- Following all insecticide label instructions is a legal requirement.
- Workplace health and safety regulations apply for professionals controlling wasps in a commercial setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Paper Wasps different from other wasps in Australia?
The most significant difference lies in their appearance, behaviour, and nest structure. Paper Wasps (*Polistes* spp.) are relatively slender, reddish-brown wasps whose legs dangle conspicuously during flight. They are social insects but their colonies are small, usually under 100 individuals. Their most defining feature is their nest: a single, open comb of hexagonal paper cells, resembling an umbrella, which is not enclosed in an outer layer. This contrasts sharply with the European Wasp (*Vespula germanica*), which is a stockier, bright yellow-and-black wasp. European Wasp colonies are much larger, numbering in the thousands, and their nests are fully enclosed in a papery envelope, typically hidden in wall cavities or underground. While both will sting defensively, the sheer numbers and aggressive nature of European Wasps make them a far more significant threat.
How dangerous is a Paper Wasp sting?
For most people, a single Paper Wasp sting is a very painful but not life-threatening event. The sting causes immediate, intense burning pain, followed by a localised red, swollen, and itchy welt that can last for several days. However, the danger increases significantly in two situations. Firstly, for individuals who are allergic to wasp venom, a single sting can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention and administration of an adrenaline autoinjector (like an EpiPen). Secondly, because they can sting multiple times and will defend their nest as a group, a person can receive many stings at once. A large number of stings can lead to a toxic reaction even in non-allergic individuals, causing symptoms like nausea, headache, and fever. Therefore, any nest in a high-traffic area should be considered a serious hazard.
What is the most effective way to get rid of a Paper Wasp nest?
The most effective and safest way to get rid of a Paper Wasp nest is to engage a professional pest controller. They have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), training, and registered products to do the job safely. For those determined to attempt DIY removal on a small, accessible nest, the key is to act at night or very early morning. At this time, the wasps are on the nest and are far less active. Use a specialised wasp killer aerosol that sprays a jet from a distance of several metres. Thoroughly saturate the nest, and then leave the area immediately. Never use a ladder to treat a nest at height, as being stung could cause a fall. If a nest is large, high up, or in a concealed location, do not attempt DIY removal; the risk of being swarmed and seriously injured is too high.
How can I prevent Paper Wasps from building nests on my house?
Prevention is focused on making your home less attractive for nesting. The key period for prevention is in spring. During this time, newly emerged queens are searching for sites to build. You should regularly inspect common nesting spots like under the eaves, in sheds, around window frames, and on pergolas. If you find a tiny, newly-formed nest with just a queen, you can often knock it down with a long pole or a jet of water. For a more robust solution, a professional can apply a residual insecticide treatment to the eaves and other potential nesting surfaces in early spring. This preventative spray will deter queens from establishing a nest there in the first place. Also, sealing cracks and holes in your home's exterior can prevent them from nesting in hidden wall voids.
When are Paper Wasps most active and aggressive?
Paper Wasps are most active during the day throughout the warmer months, from spring to autumn. Their aggressiveness is directly related to the proximity to their nest and the stage of the colony's lifecycle. In spring, when the colony is just a queen and a few larvae, they are at their least aggressive. However, during the peak of summer, the colony is at its maximum size and is full of workers dedicated to defending the nest and the developing young. This is when they are most defensive and most likely to sting if their nest is disturbed. Any activity within a few metres of the nest can be perceived as a threat and may provoke an attack. When foraging away from the nest, they are generally not aggressive unless trapped or swatted at.
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