Red wasps are striking insects known for their colorful bodies and large papery nests. While they play an important role in controlling garden pests, their painful stings and aggressive nest defense can make them a nuisance for homeowners. This article will cover everything you need to know about identifying, understanding, and humanely managing these fascinating creatures.
What Are Red Wasps?
Red wasps belong to the genus Polistes and are a type of paper wasp found in the eastern United States. There are two main species:
- Polistes carolina – the most common red wasp
- Polistes rubiginosus
They get their common name from their reddish-brown coloring on the head and body. Like all paper wasps, they build nests from chewed up plant fibers, which is why their nests have a papery appearance.
Identifying Red Wasps
Appearance
Red wasps measure around 0.9 – 1.3 inches long. They have long, slender bodies with black wings and reddish-brown heads and bodies. The exact patterning can vary
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Females tend to be solid reddish-brown with some darker markings on the eyes, antennae and abdomen.
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Males have more black or brown markings on the legs and abdomen. They also have yellow bands on the face and torso.
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In both sexes, the antennae are black with a reddish-orange base. Legs are reddish-brown.
Nests
Red wasp nests are very distinctive. They build large, umbrella-shaped nests that are open at the bottom with exposed comb cells. The nests are built of papery material and grow over time to the size of a large dinner plate or even bigger.
Nests are often found hanging under eaves, bridges, porch roofs, and other sheltered spots. Seeing one of these large papery nests is a dead giveaway that you’re dealing with red wasps.
Red Wasp Behavior and Life Cycle
Red wasps live in colonies with different castes:
- Queens – fertilized females who start new nests in spring and lay eggs.
- Workers -infertile female offspring who maintain the nest and feed the larvae.
- Reproductives – fertile males and new queens produced at the end of summer.
In spring, queens emerge from hibernation and begin constructing starter nests. The first eggs develop into worker wasps who take over nest maintenance.
By mid to late summer, the colony starts producing reproductives. Mated new queens leave the nest to hibernate for winter and begin the cycle again next spring.
Workers forage mainly on caterpillars and other garden pests to feed the larvae. They get nectar from flowers for their own nutrition.
The Good and the Bad with Red Wasps
Red wasps play an important ecological role by controlling pest populations in gardens and farms. Their caterpillar-hunting benefits agriculture and home gardening.
However, they can become a nuisance around human dwellings. Some key facts:
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Painful stings – Females have painful stings and aggressively defend nests if disturbed. Stings produce local pain, swelling, and irritation.
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Nest locations – They frequently build nests on human structures like under roofs. Disturbing these nests often leads to stings.
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Allergic reactions – Venom can produce severe allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Anaphylaxis requires emergency care.
So while red wasps are beneficial predators, their nesting habits and defensive behavior necessitate control around human dwellings.
Preventing Red Wasp Infestations
To avoid problems with red wasps:
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Seal cracks, crevices, and holes in walls, roofs, and foundations where they can enter and build nests.
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Keep food sources like pet dishes, bird feeders, and ripe fruit cleaned up and contained.
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Prune back vegetation touching buildings and trim tree branches overhanging the roof.
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Clean up moist wood debris piles where nests often start.
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Immediately treat starter nests found in spring to avoid large summer colonies.
Getting Rid of Established Nests
If you find an active red wasp nest on your property, extreme caution is advised. Never disturb their nests yourself. Treatment is best left to pest management professionals. They have specialized equipment to treat nests at a safe distance.
If you do want to attempt nest removal yourself, only do so extremely early or very late in the day when wasps are least active. Use extreme caution and wear thick protective clothing including:
- Long sleeves and pants
- Closed toe shoes
- Hat and veil
- Thick gloves
Spray nests from a distance of at least 10 feet using a product labeled for wasp and hornet control. Spray liberally until soaked and wait at least 24 hours before removing. Even with precautions, stings are still likely so have an epinephrine pen on hand if you are allergic.
Coexisting with Red Wasps
While sometimes a nuisance, red wasps are fascinating social insects that provide natural pest control. Their intricate paper nests and complex colony life cycle are marvels of nature.
With some awareness and a few sensible precautions, we can peacefully coexist with these colorful creatures and admire their industrious paper architecture. A live-and-let-live approach allows us to safely appreciate red wasps in their rightful place in the ecosystem.
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Red Paper Wasp Habitat
These wasps live in dry safe locations: eaves on homes, under porches, attic vents, etc. They have a paper nest that hangs from a central stem. This comb is what holds the eggs, larvae (juveniles), pupae (resting stage between larvae and adult), and adults. In the photo below you can see the adults, larvae (look like large worms inside the cells), eggs (small white ovals inside the cells), and capped cells containing pupae (cells that have a large white cap or bubble over the top of them).
Red Wasps’ Appearance, Common Habitats, & Nest Building Behaviors in Tennessee – WeatherBug News
FAQ
Are red wasps harmful?
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While not as aggressive as yellow jackets, red wasps will sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed.
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For people allergic to wasp venom, a red wasp sting can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention.
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Unlike bees, red wasps can sting multiple times because their stingers are not left behind in the victim’s skin.
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Red wasps are social wasps, meaning they live in colonies and will defend their nests vigorously.
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Red wasps often build their nests in places like under eaves, on porches, or in trees, so it’s important to be cautious around these areas.
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The red paper wasp, Polistes carolina, is a common species in the southern United States.
What is the most aggressive red wasp?
Red paper wasps tend to be more aggressive than other species of paper wasps, and the females of the species are the ones that sting.
What do you do if you see a red wasp?
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Stay Calm and Avoid Provocation:Red wasps, also known as paper wasps, are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened, particularly when their nest is disturbed. If you encounter a red wasp, avoid making sudden movements or trying to swat it, as this could trigger a defensive reaction.
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Identify the Nest:If you see a red wasp, try to determine if it’s near a nest. These wasps often build their nests in sheltered areas, such as under eaves, on branches, or in crevices.
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Leave the Area Slowly:If you are near a nest, or if you are concerned about the wasps, slowly and calmly move away from the area.
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Consider Professional Help:If you have allergies to wasp stings, or if you are uncomfortable dealing with wasps, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal of the nest. They have the proper tools and knowledge to handle wasp nests safely.
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Prevent Future Problems:To discourage red wasps from nesting on your property, you can take preventative measures, such as:
- Trimming back shrubs and hedges.
- Keeping your yard clean and free of debris.
- Reducing excess moisture in your yard.
- Avoiding bright lights outside at night, as wasps are attracted to light.
- Trimming back shrubs and hedges.
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First Aid for Stings:If you are stung by a red wasp, clean the area with soap and water, and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
What happens if you get stung by a red wasp?
A wasp sting causes an immediate and intense pain that is usually followed by redness and mild swelling. People who are allergic to wasps may experience a more severe reaction including hives and trouble breathing. Allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.