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Size: |
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Adults are about 5/8 to 3/4 inch (16-20 mm) long. |
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Characteristics: |
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Slender with long legs and a distinct, slender waist. |
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Color: |
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Colors vary, but most species tend to be golden brown or darker, with patches of yellow or red. |
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Where Found: |
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Various species throughout the United States. |
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Comparison: |
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Make paper-like nests with an umbrella-like shape. Single layer of comb with cells that open downward, hanging down by a single, narrow strand. No outer "envelope". Cells remain open. The thin strand may help keep ants and other intruders out. Nests are smaller than 6 by 8 inches, with about 150-250 cells. |
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Habitat: |
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Make paper-like nests with an umbrella-like shape. Single layer of comb with cells that open downward, hanging down by a single, narrow strand. No outer "envelope". Cells remain open. The thin strand may help keep ants and other intruders out. Nests are smaller than 6 by 8 inches, with about 150-250 cells. |
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Food: |
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Insects and nectar. |
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Biology: |
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Queen that has overwintered (survived winter) begins to build a nest in spring. Primary Queen nest-builder may be joined by Secondary Queens in building and maintaining the nest. Secondary Queens will not lay eggs unless dominant Queen dies, in which case one Secondary Queen may take over egg laying so the nest can survive. A single egg is laid in each open cell and larvae are fed protein from insects. Later, cells are capped when larvae are ready to pupate. |
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Damage: |
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Beneficial insects that feed on insect pests. However, can and do sting when disturbed. |
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Invasion: |
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Nests are hung from almost any protected structure: twigs and branches of trees and shrubs, porch ceilings, window and door frames, soffits and eaves, rafters, deck floor joists, and railings. |
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Control: |
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These stinging insects require special handling. In some cases, treatment will need to be performed at night when most of the insects are in their nest. Aerosol or dust products are the most effective. Personal protective equipment should be worn by the applicator in most situations. Due to the inaccessibility of nests and the need to contact them with a control material, it may be beyond the ability of the property owner to eliminate the problem. Poor application techniques may result in aggravating this insect and the applicator may be stung if precautions are not taken. Professional exterminators are equipped with protective bee-suits, appropriate control materials and application equipment that insure overall safety in the control process. Once insects have been controlled, entry points on structure should be sealed if nest was located there. If you attempt to control these insects and make an application, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions. |
