Red wasps are certainly fearsome insects. Not only are they quite big, but they also have a painful sting. But there is so much more to a red wasp than just its danger. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know and understand about red wasps. In fact, I’ll even lay down some methods you can use to get rid of red wasps and their nests from around your house.
Before we start out, it is helpful to remember that red wasps are also called red paper wasps from time to time. Hopefully, you won’t have to worry about these insects swooping down to sting you if you read and understand this article well enough. Well, enough talk. Let’s get down to it!
Table of Contents
What is a red wasp?
Red wasps are a type of paper wasp. They get their name from the reddish color of their body. They are very similar to other types of paper wasps but can be identified by their reddish color.
This is a type of wasp that is most prevalent in the eastern and midwestern regions of the United States. They are distinguished by their reddish-brown coloring and the fact that they build their nests out of chewed-up paper.
Unlike yellowjackets, red wasps are not aggressive and will only sting humans if they feel threatened.
You may encounter the red wasp at some point in your life, even if you do nothing wrong or anything specific to attract them. They can become an issue should they choose to establish a colony on your property, but they are generally not aggressive and will only sting if provoked.
Why are red wasps also called red paper wasps?
Red wasps are also called red paper wasps because of the appearance of their nests. The wasp nests are made of chewed wood and paper, which gives them their distinctive red color.
This is because their nests are made of a combination of finely chewed wood particles and the wasp’s saliva.
Nesting habits of the red wasp
Red paper wasps are a common sight in the springtime as they build their nests. The queens select a nesting site, and then the workers start to build the nest. The nests are made of chewed-up wood fiber and can be quite large, up to the size of an orange.
Interestingly, paper wasps do something a little different when it comes to nesting. They will lay an egg in each cell of the nest, but they will orient the eggs so that the pointed end faces downward. This way, the larvae have a greater chance of escaping predation.
After the eggs hatch, larvae will emerge. These larvae look like common grub before they develop any further. These larvae will go through several stages of development before finally pupating.
Wasps are intelligent insects, and their living mechanisms are quite interesting. When the weather starts to get colder in the fall, the mated females seek protection in crevices and overwinter there.
The following spring, they will build their own nests. Meanwhile, the rest of the colony dies off. In fact, red wasps don’t usually use a nest more than once.
How do red wasps construct their nests?
Red wasps build their nests out of small stems that attach to their nests. They use these stems to create a small, papery nest in which they will raise their young. The nests are usually found in trees or bushes and can sometimes be seen hanging from eaves or rafters.
Red wasps, like other social wasps, build their nests by using chewed-up wood fibers, their saliva, and chewed-up plants to make a papery pulp.
The papery pulp is then used to construct the combs in which the eggs are laid, and the larvae develop. A red wasp nest generally contains more than 800 wasps.
Nests are typically constructed in sheltered areas near water sources, as this provides the wasps with easy access to food and helps keep the nest cool. The size and shape of the nest also depend on the species of red wasp and the available space.
What is a red wasp’s diet?
Red wasps are predatory insects that feed on a variety of prey, including other insects, spiders, and even small mammals. They also feed on plant nectar and other sugary substances.
In addition to their diet, red wasps are known for their erratically aggressive behavior and potent sting. Interestingly, red wasps also feed on goldenrod flowers. The pollen from the flowers helps them to build their nests.
What is a red wasp’s usual habitat?
The red wasp can be found in a variety of habitats, both inside and outside of buildings. They often take up residence around human dwellings in search of food or shelter. Common places to find them include eaves, rooflines, porch ceilings, gables, garages, and sheds.
Outdoors, you should be sure to inspect your spaces thoroughly for red paper wasps. If you find a red paper wasp nest, it is important to remove it right away. The stings of red paper wasps are very painful, so it is best to avoid them if possible.
What do you need to know about red wasp colonies?
Red wasps are social insects, meaning that they live in colonies. These colonies contain three types of individuals: fertile queens, males, and sterile workers.
The fertile queens are the only ones who can lay eggs, and the males exist solely to mate with the queens. The sterile workers are responsible for building the nest, caring for the young wasps, and defending the colony.
In short, red wasp colonies are important for the production of new generations of wasps. The queen lays eggs which turn into larvae that grow into worker wasps. These workers do the actual work in the colony while the queen continues to lay more eggs.
While wasps are beneficial insects because they help to feed other wasps and control pests, colonies should be eliminated only when there is a high risk of being stung. In general, it is best to avoid contact with them and leave the nest removal to a professional.
The life cycle of a red wasp
The life cycle of a red wasp or a red paper wasp goes through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid by the queen and hatch into larvae. The larvae are fed by the workers and undergo a series of transformations until they become pupae. The pupae transform into adults, and the cycle starts over again.
Adult wasps are responsible for taking care of the larvae and protecting the nests. They also allow fertile queens to lay more eggs, which will eventually grow into new adult wasps.
An interesting fact about these social red wasps is that male wasps die right after they have fulfilled their duty of mating with the queen wasps!
How long do red wasps live?
Red wasps generally live for around one year, but it’s not something that is known for sure. However, I can tell you this – it takes around forty days for a wasp to develop from an egg to a mature red wasp.
How to prevent a red wasp infestation?
There are a few things you can do to discourage red wasps from building a nest in your yard.
- One is to trim shrubs and hedges regularly.
- You can also try to seal up any cracks or openings in your home where they might be able to get in.
- You should also be treating your deck with an oil repellent that will make the surface slippery and unappealing to them.
- In order to prevent a red wasp infestation, it is best to use an insecticide for wasps and hornets during the night when paper wasps are inactive. This will kill the queen and stop the colony from growing.
- To deter them, you should also keep the lights off outside of doorways.
- Additionally, food and garbage should be kept in sealed containers so that the smell doesn’t attract them.
- Finally, if there is a red wasp nest on your property, it is best to call a professional to remove it instead of trying to do it yourself.
Do red paper wasps sting?
Red paper wasps are not typically aggressive by nature, but they will sting if threatened. If you encounter a paper wasp nest, it is best to leave it alone and avoid disturbing the wasps.
Paper wasp stings are often painful and may cause swelling localized to the area of the sting. The venom in their sting can also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are stung by a paper wasp, remove the stingers if you can do so safely and then apply ice to the area to reduce swelling.
How to tackle a red wasp sting?
If you are stung by a wasp (or bee), it is important to be aware of the symptoms that can indicate a severe allergic reaction.
If you happen to experience any of the following symptoms after a wasp sting, seek medical help right away: difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue, dizziness, feeling faint, or confusion. Some other symptoms could also be the growth of hives, pale skin, and a slowing pulse rate.
Conclusion
The red wasp is usually a harmless insect if you leave it alone. That said, red wasp infestations are not situations you want to be dealing with. Therefore, it is best to follow the preventive measures that I have laid down for you in the article.
FAQs
What is the main sign of a wasp infestation?
The main sign of a wasp infestation is generally being able to spot one or more wasps around your house. Since wasps create colonies in places that are generally located around human-inhabited houses, they might create colonies in your garage and other such areas. If you do spot a wasp infestation, you should immediately contact a professional extermination service.
Is a red hornet the same as a red wasp?
No, a red hornet is not the same as a red wasp. Even though these two insects are very similar in appearance, they are not the same insect. The only similarity between the two lies in the fact that they belong to the same group of insects. Further, hornets are generally thicker than wasps.
Are little red and black wasps common in Texas?
Yes, little red and black wasps are common in Texas and other Eastern parts of the United States of America. In fact, these little red and black wasps are red paper wasps. Their appearance is characterized by a red body that is flanked by black-colored wings.
Are giant orange hornets dangerous?
Giant orange hornets are also known as murder hornets, and these hornets are seldom ever dangerous to human beings. In fact, they only get the name of murder hornets since they are known to prey on bees. However, these hornets are much larger than most other species of social wasps, which makes them look fairly scary.
