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European paper wasp nest #364886

Asked September 22, 2016, 3:58 PM EDT

We have discovered three paper wasp nests, one in a small crack in a facia board, and two at the top of downspouts. They are flying around quite a bit, but are doing their own thing and not bothering people. I understand that the best solution is to wait until cold weather kills off the nest and the females leave. If I take that route, is there any damage to the house itself that could happen, or any way the the wasps could get inside the house through ceiling fixtures, for example? Are these wasps likely to be aggressive and sting, even though they haven't been so far?  We are trying to decide what to do.

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

Dear Client,

The first step that you need to take is to confirm your culprits as European paper wasps. About the worst mistake you can make is to assume these are European paper wasps when in fact they are a species of yellowjacket (yellowjackets are rather aggressive and do does a serious health risk).  I am attaching a fact sheet to help you with this. Of course, you may want to seek confirmation from your nearest Extension office or post a digital image of the wasps or the nest on this website. http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/FS152E/FS152E.pdf 

http://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/european-paper-wasp-5-611/

Both references will help you with wasp identification and with management of the European paper wasp. Anyway, European paper wasp can sting in self-defense and they will attack any mammal that gets in close proximity to the nest.  As winter approaches, paper wasps will seek a sheltered place to spend the winter and sometimes that is inside the house or in the attic.  They are more of a nuisance then and do not do any structural damage.  Since cold autumn weather is not that far off, I would avoid the nests and wait for the cold weather to kill off the nest inhabitants. 

I hope the references will help you with your decisions!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied October 04, 2016, 4:34 PM EDT

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