Paper Wasp
Polistes carolina
Pest Stats
Color
They are usually a reddish color, rusty red to reddish-brown.
Size
15 to 20.5 mm (about ¾ of an inch long).
Shape
Long, narrow body with a small "waist" and long legs. Their legs hang down when they fly.
Region
They live throughout the southeastern U.S. - from New York to Florida, and as far west as Texas.
What is a Paper Wasp?
The Polistes carolina, or red paper wasp, is one of the most recognizable wasp species in South Florida due to its large size and reddish color. These wasps are part of the social wasp family and are known for building open, umbrella-shaped nests in sheltered areas around homes and buildings. While paper wasps help control garden pests like caterpillars and beetles, they can become a stinging hazard when nesting near entryways, patios, or attics.
What Do Paper Wasps Look Like?
- Rusty red or reddish-brown coloration
- Long legs that dangle during flight
- Smooth, spindle-shaped abdomen
- Slightly darker or black markings on some individuals
Because of their size and coloration, paper wasps are often mistaken for more aggressive species – but they are less likely to sting unless provoked.
Where Do Paper Wasps Live?
Paper wasps prefer warm, sheltered environments for nesting. In South Florida, they often build their nests:
- Under roof eaves and soffits
- In attics and garages
- Inside sheds or outdoor equipment
- Beneath porch railings or patio furniture
Their nests are made of chewed plant fibers and saliva, forming a papery material shaped into hexagonal cells, suspended by a thin stalk.
Photo by Pollinator via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
What Do Paper Wasps Eat?
Adult Paper Wasps feed on nectar and sugary substances, while their larvae are fed bits of insects, especially caterpillars and beetle larvae. This diet makes them beneficial for natural pest control in gardens and landscapes.
Are Paper Wasps Dangerous?
5 Ways to Prevent Paper Wasps in Your Home
These proactive steps will help keep them away, but if you’re still seeing signs of these wasps, the Wise House Environmental Services professionals are just a call away.
Seal Entry Points
Check your home for small gaps or cracks around windows, doors, rooflines, and vents. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them so wasps can't get inside.
Remove Old Nests
Paper wasps often return to the same areas each year. If you spot an old nest (and it’s inactive), remove it to discourage future nesting.
Limit Outdoor Food and Sweet Smells
Keep food covered when eating outside, and clean up spills—especially sugary drinks. Wasps are attracted to sweets and proteins.
Use Wasp-Repelling Scents
Scents like peppermint oil can help keep paper wasps away. Try using a natural wasp-repellent spray near entryways and outdoor gathering areas.
Check Eaves and Overhangs Often
Wasps like to build nests in shaded, sheltered spots. Regularly inspect your porch ceilings, roof eaves, and patio corners for new nest activity—especially in spring and summer.
Need Help Getting Rid of Paper Wasps?
If you're dealing with a Paper Wasp infestation in South Florida, professional pest control services can help identify nesting sites and implement effective treatment strategies. Contact a licensed exterminator to protect your home or business from these invasive pests.
Contact Wise House Environmental Services at 1-800-283-1559 for more information and a free quote on ant control services.
5 Ways to Keep Paper Wasps Out of Your Home
Install Screens on Vents and Windows
Make sure attic vents, chimney openings, and windows are covered with fine mesh screens. This helps keep wasps from flying indoors or nesting in wall voids.
Hang Decoy Nests
Paper wasps are territorial and often avoid building near other colonies. Hanging a decoy nest in spring can help stop new nests from forming nearby.
Limit Nesting Materials
Wasps chew wood and plant fiber to build their nests. Keep firewood, unused furniture, and cardboard stored away and dry to reduce their building supplies.
Turn Off Unused Outdoor Lights
Lights attract flying insects at night—and wasps will follow the food. Turn off outdoor lights when not needed, especially near entry points.
Schedule Routine Pest Inspections
A regular visit from a pest control professional can catch early signs of wasp activity and help keep your home protected year-round.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pests do you handle for residential properties?
We handle all the usual household pests, like ants, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, rats, spiders, and more. If you’re dealing with a specific pest that’s not listed, give us a call—we’ll come up with a solution just for you.
Are your treatments safe for kids and pets?
Absolutely! We use products that are tough on pests but gentle enough to keep your family and pets safe when applied correctly. Your safety is always our top priority.
How often should I schedule pest control for my home?
It depends on the pest problem and how severe it is. Many of our customers prefer quarterly treatments to keep their homes pest-free year-round. We also offer maintenance plans to make things easier.