Paper Wasp Sting: Symptoms, Treatment, and What to Do

Categories: Pest Control, Wasps, Yard Enjoyment Plan, Yellowjackets
Read time: 6 minutes

Seeing paper wasps around your home can make you think twice about spending time outside. They usually keep to themselves, but they will sting if they feel threatened. While a paper wasp sting can definitely be painful, knowing what to expect and how to treat it can help you stay calm and get back to enjoying the outdoors.   

What Is a Paper Wasp? How to Identify One 

Wasps are flying insects with slim bodies, two pairs of wings, and the ability to sting when threatened. They are commonly mistaken for yellow jackets, but paper wasps have longer legs, slimmer bodies, and build open, umbrella-shaped nests instead of enclosed nests.  They do not produce honey like bees. Many types of wasps, including paper wasps, help keep insect populations under control. When they build nests near homes or feel disturbed, they can become a concern.

Paper wasps are often brown with orange or reddish striping or black with yellow markings. They aren’t fuzzy like bees, and they have a narrow middle section that gives them their distinct “waist.” One way to spot them is by watching how they fly. Paper wasps let their long legs hang down below them.  

Are Paper Wasps Aggressive? 

When away from their nests, paper wasps usually mind their own business. They rarely sting unless they feel threatened. Accidentally trapping one against your skin, stepping on one barefoot, or getting too close to its nest are the situations most likely to lead to a sting. 

If they feel their nest is in danger, paper wasps become more protective. They often fly closer or circle the area to warn you off. If you continue approaching, they are much more likely to sting. Just back away slowly and don’t make any sudden movements.

What to Expect After a Paper Wasp Sting 

If you are stung by a paper wasp, you’ll probably notice a few common symptoms. Most people notice pain right away, followed by redness, swelling, warmth, and itching around the sting site.  Some people also develop a small welt or notice that the area feels sensitive for a few days.

In other cases, you may have more swelling, redness, and discomfort around the sting site. The swelling typically increases for a day or two before it starts to get better and can sometimes last for a week or more. 

Severe allergic reactions are much less common, but it’s important to recognize the warning signs. If you have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, or notice swelling of your face or throat, seek medical care immediately. 

A red paper wasp sting causes the same types of symptoms as other paper wasp stings, including immediate pain, redness, swelling, and itching around the sting site. 

How Bad Does a Paper Wasp Sting Hurt? 

Many people consider paper wasp stings to be more painful than honeybee stings, although everyone’s experience is different.  Most people describe the pain as immediate, sharp, and burning. The most intense pain usually fades within a few minutes to an hour, although tenderness and swelling can stick around for several days. 

Unlike honeybees, paper wasps don’t lose their stingers. They can sting multiple times and often target the upper body.

How to Treat a Paper Wasp Sting

After a paper wasp sting, keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice signs of a severe paper wasp sting reaction, seek medical care right away. If your symptoms are mild, the following steps can help treat the sting site and make you feel more comfortable: 

1. Wash the area. Clean the sting site with soap and water. This helps reduce the risk of infection.
2. Apply cold. Wrap ice in a towel or use a cold pack and apply it to the sting site for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to soothe the area. 
3. Elevate the area. If you were stung on the arm or leg, raise the area above your heart to help with swelling.
4. Consider an over-the-counter pain reliever. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Ibuprofen may also reduce inflammation.
5. Avoid scratching the sting, since breaking the skin can increase the risk of infection. 

Which Sting is Worse: Paper Wasp vs. Yellow Jacket

When it comes to paper wasps vs. yellow jackets, both can give a painful sting. It’s hard to say which sting is “worse,” because it often depends on the person and the situation rather than the type of wasp involved.

Yellowjackets are generally considered more aggressive than paper wasps because they’re more likely to come into contact with people. That’s partly because they live in larger colonies and often stay active later in the year. They can also be very protective of their nests. As a result, yellow jackets tend to deliver more stings than paper wasps and are often the ones people think of when they hear about aggressive insects.

Where Do Paper Wasps Build Their Nests Around Your Home?

Paper wasp nests resemble small, upside-down umbrellas made of paper. Because they’re often tucked away in sheltered spots, nests can grow surprisingly large before homeowners notice them. They are usually built in protected areas, like on a porch, under eaves, near sheds, or in trees.

Paper wasps prefer quiet, sheltered locations that protect their nests from rain and wind. Common nesting spots include porch ceilings, roof eaves, sheds, deck railings, playsets, fences, and tree branches.  That means that their nests can grow quite large before anyone notices them. Spring and summer are the best times to keep an eye out for these nests, so you can catch them before they become a problem.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Paper Wasp Stings on Your Property

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of paper wasp stings is to make your property less inviting for nesting. Here are a few simple ways to help:

• Inspect eaves, porch ceilings, sheds, and other sheltered areas for paper wasp nests, especially in the spring.
• Trim tree branches and shrubs so they don’t touch your home.
• Seal small gaps around outdoor structures where paper wasps may be tempted to build nests.
• Clean up food and drink spills after eating outdoors.
• Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
• Remove unnecessary clutter that could provide sheltered nesting spots.

If you find a nest, avoid disturbing it. Paper wasps can become defensive when they feel their nest is threatened. Instead, let Fox Pest Control handle it. Our team can inspect your property, treat active nests, and help reduce future wasp activity, so you can spend less time watching the eaves and more time enjoying your yard. Give us a call today and let us help you take back your yard!