European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominulus)

European Paper Wasp Habits:

European Paper Wasps are active during the day and rest on the nest at night. Adult Paper Wasps feed on sugar and nectar-like food. Larvae eat protein that is gathered and chewed by adult wasps that prey on other insects. Colonies last one year, with new queens overwintering to make new nests the following spring.

European Paper Wasp Nests:

Queens begin forming nests from wood and live plant fibers in the spring. Most European Paper Wasp nests are a single layer of hexagonal brood cells suspended like an upside-down umbrella. The European Paper Wasp nests in sheltered locations, but with much greater propensity to use manmade structures than other wasps -- structures such as eaves, patio furniture, outdoor garbage containers and planter pots.

Nature toward humans:

It is unusual for European Paper Wasps to attack unless humans approach too near a foraging wasp or nest. It is important to note that because of this species' tendency to nest within voids and other manmade structures, European Paper Wasps are more likely to be found in areas of high human traffic, increasing the chances of accidentally disturbing hidden nests.

Other Paper Wasp species

Hornets

Yellowjackets