Paper Wasps in Calgary, Alberta: Identification, Biology, Nests & Pest Control
Table of Contents
Paper wasps are common social wasps that can be found around homes, businesses, gardens, sheds, garages, and other structures throughout Calgary and Alberta. They are named for the distinctive paper-like nests they construct from chewed wood fibres mixed with saliva.
Paper wasps can become a pest problem when they build nests close to doors, windows, patios, balconies, walkways, decks, or other areas where people regularly spend time. Understanding paper wasp identification, biology, nesting habits, and seasonal activity can help property owners recognize an infestation and determine when professional wasp control in Calgary may be appropriate.
What Are Paper Wasps?
Paper wasps are social wasps belonging to the family Vespidae. Several species can occur in North America, and their appearance can vary depending on the species.
Unlike bald-faced hornets, which construct large enclosed aerial nests, paper wasps typically build open-comb nests. The individual cells of the nest are visible from the outside and are attached to a supporting surface by a narrow stalk.
Paper wasps commonly construct nests beneath protected areas where they are sheltered from rain and direct exposure.
How to Identify Paper Wasps
Paper wasps have a relatively slender body with a narrow waist and long legs that often hang downward while they fly.
Depending on the species, their coloration can include combinations of:
- Brown
- Black
- Yellow
- Reddish-brown
- Orange or reddish markings
Their long legs and open-comb nests are useful characteristics when distinguishing paper wasps from other common wasps.
Because several species may look similar, professional identification can be useful when determining the appropriate pest-management strategy.
What Does a Paper Wasp Nest Look Like?
A paper wasp nest is one of the easiest ways to distinguish paper wasps from many other wasps.
The nest typically consists of an open arrangement of hexagonal cells. Unlike the enclosed outer shell of a bald-faced hornet nest, the individual cells of a paper wasp nest are exposed.
The nest is usually attached to a surface by a small stalk.
Common Paper Wasp Nest Locations
Paper wasps may build nests:
- Under roof eaves
- Beneath soffits
- Under decks
- Under balconies
- Beneath porch ceilings
- Inside sheds
- Under outdoor furniture
- Around garages
- Under railings
- Beneath overhangs
- In sheltered areas around buildings
The protected location helps shield the developing brood from weather.
Paper Wasp Biology
Paper wasps are social insects, although their colonies are generally less densely populated than those of some other social wasps.
A colony typically begins when a reproductive female establishes a nest and starts raising the first generation of workers.
As workers develop, they assist with:
- Nest construction
- Food collection
- Feeding larvae
- Colony maintenance
- Nest defense
The colony can expand as the season progresses.
How Do Paper Wasps Build Their Nests?
Paper wasps create their nests using plant fibres and weathered wood.
Workers collect small pieces of wood and plant material and process them into a pulp. The material is mixed with saliva and applied to the growing nest.
As the material dries, it forms a lightweight paper-like structure.
This natural construction process gives paper wasp nests their characteristic grey, tan, or brown appearance.
Where Are Paper Wasps Found in Calgary?
Paper wasps can occur throughout Calgary and surrounding Alberta communities where suitable nesting sites and food resources are available.
They may be found around:
- Calgary homes
- Apartment buildings
- Condominiums
- Commercial properties
- Garages
- Gardens
- Parks
- Sheds
- Decks
- Balconies
- Agricultural and rural properties
Properties with numerous sheltered areas may provide many potential nesting locations.
Paper Wasps in Calgary Homes
Paper wasps often build nests on the exterior of buildings rather than deep inside structures.
Homeowners may discover nests underneath:
- Eaves
- Soffits
- Decks
- Porches
- Balcony overhangs
- Roof extensions
- Railings
- Outdoor structures
A nest may initially be small and easy to overlook. As the colony develops, the number of visible wasps and the size of the nest can increase.
Why Are Paper Wasps Around My House?
Paper wasps may establish nests near homes because buildings provide sheltered nesting locations and nearby landscapes can provide food.
Potential resources include:
- Caterpillars
- Flies
- Other insects
- Nectar
- Sugary substances
- Fruit
- Other insects and arthropods
Paper wasps can actually provide ecological benefits by helping control populations of other insects. However, a nest immediately beside a frequently used doorway or outdoor living area can become a pest-management concern.
What Do Paper Wasps Eat?
Paper wasps have varied diets.
Adult paper wasps may feed on carbohydrate-rich sources such as nectar and other sugary materials. They also collect protein-rich prey to feed developing larvae.
Prey can include various insects and caterpillars.
This means paper wasps can play a role in naturally reducing other insect populations around gardens and landscapes.
Paper Wasps and Gardens
Paper wasps are frequently observed around gardens because flowering plants provide nectar and vegetation can support insects that paper wasps hunt.
Their presence does not automatically indicate an infestation.
However, if a nest is constructed immediately beside a garden path, patio, doorway, or other high-traffic area, the colony may require professional assessment.
Paper Wasps vs. Yellowjackets
Paper wasps and yellowjackets are both social wasps, but they differ in several important ways.
| Feature | Paper Wasps | Yellowjackets |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Generally slender | Usually more compact |
| Legs | Often long and dangling during flight | Usually held closer to body |
| Nest | Open-comb | Varies by species; many have enclosed nests |
| Nest locations | Sheltered elevated areas | Ground, cavities, structures and other locations |
| Diet | Nectar, insects and other resources | Sugars, proteins and other food sources |
| Colony behaviour | Social | Social |
Because several species of wasps can look similar, nest structure is often an important identification clue.
Paper Wasps vs. Bald-Faced Hornets
Paper wasps are sometimes confused with bald-faced hornets, but their nests are very different.
Paper wasps generally create exposed, open-comb nests.
Bald-faced hornets create large enclosed paper nests with a protective outer covering.
Bald-faced hornets are also typically darker, with prominent white markings.
Correct identification helps determine the appropriate pest-control approach.
Why Paper Wasp Nests Can Become a Problem
A paper wasp nest located in an isolated part of a property may cause little concern.
However, nests located near:
- Front doors
- Back doors
- Patios
- Decks
- Balconies
- Walkways
- Children’s play areas
- Outdoor seating
- Business entrances
can increase the likelihood of people encountering defensive wasps.
The location of the nest is therefore an important consideration when evaluating a paper wasp problem.
Paper Wasp Activity During the Season
Paper wasp activity changes throughout the warmer months.
Spring
Overwintered reproductive females begin searching for suitable nesting locations and may start constructing new nests.
Early Summer
The first workers develop and begin helping maintain the colony and care for developing larvae.
Mid to Late Summer
The colony becomes more established, and paper wasp activity around the nest may become more noticeable.
Fall
Colony activity changes as the season comes to an end. New reproductive individuals may be produced before the annual colony cycle ends.
Weather conditions can affect the exact timing of activity in Calgary and throughout Alberta.
How to Prevent Paper Wasps Around Your Property
Property owners can reduce potential nesting opportunities by maintaining the exterior of their buildings and monitoring sheltered areas.
Inspect Eaves and Soffits
Regularly check protected areas around rooflines for early nest construction.
Seal Unnecessary Openings
Repair appropriate cracks and gaps around structures that could provide access to sheltered areas.
Maintain Landscaping
Trim vegetation where appropriate and inspect trees, shrubs, sheds, and other structures regularly.
Keep Outdoor Areas Clean
Remove food waste and clean sugary spills around patios and outdoor eating areas.
Monitor Early in the Season
Small nests are easier to identify than mature colonies. Regular spring and early-summer inspections can help identify developing nests.
What Should You Do If You Find a Paper Wasp Nest?
Avoid unnecessarily disturbing an active nest.
Instead, determine whether the nest is located in an area where people regularly pass or spend time.
If the nest is near a doorway, patio, walkway, business entrance, or another high-traffic area, a professional pest-control inspection can determine the appropriate course of action.
Professional Paper Wasp Control in Calgary
Professional paper wasp control in Calgary begins with identifying the species and locating the active nest.
A pest-control technician can assess:
- Nest location
- Colony activity
- Building access points
- Surrounding conditions
- Human traffic
- Potential food sources
- Whether additional nests may be present
The appropriate treatment method depends on the location and circumstances of the infestation.
At Pest Pro Exterminator, residential and commercial pest-management services can help address wasp problems throughout Calgary and surrounding communities.
Paper Wasp Control for Commercial Properties
Paper wasps can become a concern for commercial properties when nests are located around customer entrances, patios, balconies, outdoor seating areas, garbage areas, or employee workspaces.
Businesses such as:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Apartment buildings
- Condominiums
- Property-management sites
- Retail stores
- Warehouses
- Offices
may benefit from incorporating wasp inspections into an ongoing commercial pest management program.
Regular inspections can help identify developing nests before they become a larger concern.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Wasps
1. What are paper wasps?
Paper wasps are social wasps that construct paper-like nests from chewed wood fibres and plant material. They are named for the characteristic paper appearance of their nests.
2. Are paper wasps found in Calgary?
Yes. Paper wasps can be found throughout Calgary and other areas of Alberta where suitable nesting sites and food resources are available.
3. What does a paper wasp nest look like?
A paper wasp nest usually has an open-comb structure with visible hexagonal cells. It is commonly attached to a surface by a narrow stalk.
4. Where do paper wasps build nests?
Paper wasps commonly build nests under eaves, soffits, decks, balconies, porch ceilings, railings, sheds, garages, and other sheltered locations.
5. How do paper wasps build their nests?
They collect small amounts of wood and plant fibres, chew the material into pulp, mix it with saliva, and use it to construct the nest.
6. What do paper wasps eat?
Adult paper wasps consume carbohydrate-rich foods such as nectar and other sugary sources. They also capture insects and other prey to provide protein for developing larvae.
7. Are paper wasps beneficial?
Paper wasps can provide ecological benefits because they prey on insects and caterpillars and can contribute to natural insect population control.
8. Why are paper wasps building a nest near my house?
Your property may provide sheltered nesting locations and nearby food resources. Eaves, decks, balconies, sheds, and other protected areas can be suitable locations.
9. Are paper wasps the same as yellowjackets?
No. Both are social wasps, but they differ in appearance, nesting behaviour, and typical nest structure.
10. Are paper wasps the same as bald-faced hornets?
No. Bald-faced hornets are a different species group and typically construct large enclosed aerial nests, while paper wasps usually construct exposed open-comb nests.
11. Can paper wasps build nests under decks?
Yes. The protected space beneath or around a deck can provide a suitable location for a paper wasp nest.
12. Should I remove a paper wasp nest myself?
Because active social-wasp nests can be defended by the colony, avoid unnecessary disturbance. A professional pest-control technician can assess the nest and determine an appropriate treatment option.
13. When should I call a paper wasp exterminator in Calgary?
Professional assistance may be appropriate when a nest is located close to a frequently used entrance, patio, walkway, workplace, or other high-traffic area, or when wasp activity is becoming difficult to manage.
Paper Wasp Control Calgary
Paper wasps are an important part of Alberta’s ecosystem and can help control other insects. However, their nests can become a pest-management concern when they are located close to people or frequently used areas.
Learning how to recognize paper wasps, identify their open-comb nests, understand their biology, and recognize seasonal activity can help Calgary homeowners and businesses respond appropriately.
For persistent wasp activity or a nest located in a high-traffic area, professional paper wasp control in Calgary can provide an inspection and site-specific pest-management solution.
Pest Pro Exterminator – Calgary Wasp Control
Pest Pro Exterminator provides residential and commercial pest-control services in Calgary and surrounding Alberta communities. Services include wasp and hornet control, yellowjacket control, ant control, cockroach control, bed bug management, rodent control, and other integrated pest-management services.
