Paper Wasps

Paper wasps are one of the most common wasps found in Maryland, and are often confused with yellow jackets. Paper wasps are not as aggressive as yellow jackets or other types of wasps, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Paper wasps are at their most aggressive when around their nests, as they exhibit a behavior called a ‘nest-protection instinct’, meaning they’re at their most hostile when around their nest to protect their larvae. Paper wasps are also missing a barb on their stinger, allowing them to sting multiple times if threatened and making them more dangerous individually then their bee cousins. As insects, they are pollinators and are key predators for prey pest control, so maintaining their population to levels and areas that are beneficial instead of dangerous is key.