Yellow paper wasp

The yellow paper wasp is likely a reference to species in the Polistes genus, particularly Polistes dominula, also known as the European paper wasp. Here's a quick overview:


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🐝 Yellow Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.)

🔍 Identification:

Color: Yellow and black body with reddish or brownish wings.

Size: About 0.5 to 0.75 inches (1.2–2 cm).

Waist: Very narrow, "wasp waist" visible.

Antennae: Curved and orange-tipped.

Wings: Fold longitudinally when at rest.


🏡 Habitat:

Common in gardens, eaves of houses, attics, and bushes.

Builds open, umbrella-shaped papery nests from chewed wood pulp and saliva.

Found across North America, Europe, and many warm regions globally.


🌼 Behavior:

Social wasps—colonies of a single queen and many workers.

Feed on nectar, insects, and larvae.

Generally non-aggressive unless nest is threatened.

Beneficial for controlling garden pests like caterpillars.


⚠️ Caution:

Can sting repeatedly if provoked.

Some people are allergic to their venom—stings may be dangerous.



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Would you like help identifying one from a photo or tips on removing a nest safely?

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. Hope the pain and swelling from the sting would have been gone by now. I will update this post or will create a new one as soon as possible.

Yellow paper wasps typically build distinctive open-comb nests that are:

Umbrella-shaped or semi-circular

Made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving the nest a papery appearance

Attached to horizontal surfaces like eaves, tree branches, window frames, porches, or shed ceilings

Exposed (not enclosed in a shell like hornet nests), so the hexagonal cells are clearly visible

Common Yellow Paper Wasps:

Polistes dominula (European paper wasp)

Polistes fuscatus (Northern paper wasp)

Identifying Features of the Nest:

Color: Light brown to grey

Size: Can range from the size of a golf ball to several inches across

Structure: Cells are visible from underneath; no outer envelope

Safety Tip:

If you find a yellow paper wasp nest near your home:

Avoid disturbing it — they can be territorial and sting if threatened.

For removal, contact a pest control service unless you're experienced and equipped.

Would you like an image of one for identification?

Yellow paper wasps typically build distinctive open-comb nests that are:

Umbrella-shaped or semi-circular

Made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving the nest a papery appearance

Attached to horizontal surfaces like eaves, tree branches, window frames, porches, or shed ceilings

Exposed (not enclosed in a shell like hornet nests), so the hexagonal cells are clearly visible

Common Yellow Paper Wasps:

Polistes dominula (European paper wasp)

Polistes fuscatus (Northern paper wasp)

Identifying Features of the Nest:

Color: Light brown to grey

Size: Can range from the size of a golf ball to several inches across

Structure: Cells are visible from underneath; no outer envelope

Safety Tip:

If you find a yellow paper wasp nest near your home:

Avoid disturbing it — they can be territorial and sting if threatened.

For removal, contact a pest control service unless you're experienced and equipped.

Would you like an image of one for identification?

Yellow paper wasps typically build distinctive open-comb nests that are:

Umbrella-shaped or semi-circular

Made from chewed wood fibers mixed with saliva, giving the nest a papery appearance

Attached to horizontal surfaces like eaves, tree branches, window frames, porches, or shed ceilings

Exposed (not enclosed in a shell like hornet nests), so the hexagonal cells are clearly visible

Common Yellow Paper Wasps:

Polistes dominula (European paper wasp)

Polistes fuscatus (Northern paper wasp)

Identifying Features of the Nest:

Color: Light brown to grey

Size: Can range from the size of a golf ball to several inches across

Structure: Cells are visible from underneath; no outer envelope

Safety Tip:

If you find a yellow paper wasp nest near your home:

Avoid disturbing it — they can be territorial and sting if threatened.

For removal, contact a pest control service unless you're experienced and equipped.

Would you like an image of one for identification?