General Characteristics:
- Colouration is dusky brown marked with various shades of orange or blackish with yellow markings
- Size is 15-20 mm
- Slender in appearance with a waist connecting the thorax and abdomen
- Pointed head distinguishes them from yellow jackets
- Found from British Columbia to the Atlantic coast
- Primarily chooses to nest in woodlands or savannas
- Nests are also commonly found on human structures where exposed wood is present
- Adults feed mostly on plant nectar, but will feed on caterpillars and other small insects to provide food for developing larvae
Reproduction:
- Lifespan is about one year
- Eggs are laid in the summer and larvae hatch during the fall
- All queens, workers and males die before winter and larvae hibernate to emerge as new queens in the spring
- Males and females mate at the end of the summer when nests have been abandoned
- Venom from female attracts males from up to 2 meters in distance
Signs of Infestation:
- Nests are common on structures where wood is present and they are usually suspended beneath horizontal surfaces
- Nests can commonly be found under the eaves of houses along with window ledges and/or porch roofs
- Nests vary in size and have a paper-like exterior appearance
Control Techniques:
- These along with other wasps are beneficial as during feeding they transfer pollen from one plant to another and thus are essential to plant reproduction
- Due to the proximity of nests to human structures, the potential for aggravated wasps stinging human or animals is relatively high
- Insecticides such as dusts, wet table powders, microencapsulated products, or aerosols may be used ACCORDING TO LABEL SPECIFICATIONS AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS
- As this species may be quite aggressive a professional should be contacted to treat nesting sites
Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.
References:
Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p. 198-200.
Grewal, K. 2002. "Polistes fuscatus" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January 06, 2010 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Polistes_fuscatus.html.
“Species Polistes fuscats - Northern Paper Wasp” (On-line). Iowa State University Entomology. Accessed Jan.
6, 2010 at http://bugguide.net/node/view/14227.
Disclaimer:
The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.
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