Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Flies, moths, wasps,and other insects with obvious wings - 1/4 to 3/4 inch long > Paper wasps

Paper wasps

Polistes spp.

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 5/8 - 3/4 inch long. Slender, brown to black bodies with yellow marking; smooth body with few hairs; long legs.

Where/When: Commonly visits flowers, especially during late summer and fall. Commonly nest under horizontal surfaces around the outside of homes and other buildings. Active from spring until fall.

Significance: They are a pest because of their ability to sting. They are generally not aggressive when visiting flowers. They are more likely to sting when their nest is threatened.

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