Bald-face Hornet
	Paper Wasp
	Yellow Jacket

Paper Wasp
Polistes spp.

The key to identifying paper wasps is the shape of the nest -- a round, upside-down paper comb that is attached by a single stalk to a horizontal surface in a protected location. This paper nest resembles an umbrella, lending to these wasps nickname, "umbrella wasps." Paper wasps are predators and feed on insects, spiders, and caterpillars.

Characteristics
Size: Most species are about 1 inch in length, but a few may be as small as 1/2-inch or as large as 1-1/2 inches.
Color: Many are reddish-brown or dark red. Some species are more orange, while others have varying bright stripes of red and yellow.

Habits
Most paper wasp nests are located in exposed areas beneath soffits, in the corners of windows, under awnings, under porches, and beneath decks. These wasps, however, will also nest within voids and other protected sites, such as gas grills, electric outlet boxes, hose reels, attics, and crawl spaces. They often enter attics through holes in the soffits, attic vent screens, and underneath shingles.

Tips for Control
Paper wasp nests are controlled using a wasp treatment product, then knocking down the nest. On buildings where continuous paper wasp nest building occurs, treatment of the affected areas with a residual pest control product applied by a professional can deter most of the activity.

	SPRING
	SUMMER
	FALL
	WINTER