Stinging Insects
Wasp
Slender paper wasps with long dangling legs that build open, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, decks and railings.
Quick facts
- Size
- 1–2.5 cm
- Colour
- Black or brown with yellow, white or reddish markings
- Active season
- Spring to fall
- Where found
- Eaves, deck railings, door frames, play structures
How to Identify
- Slim body with a narrow waist
- Long legs that dangle in flight
- Open comb nest with visible cells and no paper cover
Signs to Look For
- An umbrella-shaped nest under an overhang
- Wasps landing on and leaving the same spot
- Wasps resting in sheltered spots around doors and windows
Why It Matters
- Painful stings, especially when nests are near doors
- Allergic reactions in sensitive people
- Nests grow through the summer
Prevention Tips
- Check overhangs in spring when nests are still small
- Seal gaps in siding and soffits
- Keep sweet drinks and food covered outdoors
More Stinging Insects
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Carpenter Bee
A large bee that looks like a bumble bee but has a shiny black abdomen.
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Hornet
Large wasps that build grey, football-shaped paper nests in trees, shrubs and under eaves.
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Yellow Jacket
Black-and-yellow wasps that nest in the ground, wall voids and attics.
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