Paper wasps get their name from the paper-thin, honeycomb nests they build on the eaves of buildings or in doorways each spring. Their nests are made from plant material combined with saliva and appear to be made from paper, hence their name. Their nests include numerous compartments where the queens lay their eggs and rear their young.
Paper wasps are social wasps, which means they live in large groups. By late summer as many as 200 wasps may be present in a single nest in our around your Gilbert home. By late fall, the queen and workers die and the nest is abandoned.
Paper wasps have very painful stings and can sting multiple times. They usually do not sting people unless they are provoked, but they will fiercely protect their nests if threatened or disturbed. While wasps benefit the eco-system by pollinating plants and preying on other pests, they are territorial and can pose a threat to people or animals who get too close to their habitats in Gilbert, Arizona.
Because of this, and because many people have allergic reactions to wasp stings, you should remove nests that are close to your Gilbert home or structures on your Gilbert property to protect your family, pets, and livestock.
Paper wasps hang their comb nests from twigs and branches of trees and shrubs which can cause concern when ornamental shrubs and hedges are trimmed or fruit is being picked from trees. If a nest is contacted, there is high probability that the person doing the trimming or fruit picking will get stung. Be careful!
Paper wasps also like to hang their comb nests from porch ceilings, the top of window and door frames, soffits, eaves, attic rafters, deck floor joints and railings, etc., almost any protected place imaginable including under roof shakes.
A common habit in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Peoria, Mesa or any other area especially close to our mountain preserves is that the paper wasps tend to forage for water out of swimming pools and it is rather disturbing for people to share their swimming pools with stinging insects.
If you have found wasps in your home or an your property, call Magic Pest Control immediately!
