Paper wasps are a familiar sight in Australian backyards, particularly during the warmer months. While they do play a useful ecological role — feeding on caterpillars and other garden pests — a nest positioned close to your home, shed, or outdoor entertaining area can pose a real risk. Their sting is painful, and if the nest is disturbed, the colony will defend it aggressively.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get rid of paper wasps safely — from identifying a nest correctly to DIY removal steps, natural deterrents, and knowing when to call in experienced professionals.
What Are Paper Wasps?
The most common species found around Australian homes is the Australian paper wasp (Polistes humilis), a slender insect roughly 10–15 mm long with tan or brown colouring and darker banding. It’s slightly narrower in build than the European wasp and tends to be less aggressive — though it will sting if its nest is threatened.
Paper wasps build their nests by chewing wood fibres and plant material, mixing the pulp with saliva to form a papery paste. The result is a distinctive greyish-brown, open-celled nest that resembles a small honeycomb — you can clearly see the individual cells. Unlike European wasp nests, which are enclosed, paper wasp nests are always open-faced. A typical colony contains 12 to 20 individuals, though nests can grow larger if left undisturbed over multiple seasons.
Where Do Paper Wasps Build Nests?
Paper wasps favour sheltered outdoor spots that offer some protection from rain and direct sun. Common nesting locations include:
- Under roof eaves and overhanging gutters
- Inside or beneath garden sheds and pergolas
- On tree branches or under large leaves
- Attached to garden furniture frames or outdoor equipment
- Inside letterboxes, meter boxes, or wall cavities
Nests are typically attached by a single stalk and hang downward, making them relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for. Early spring is when queens begin scouting for nest sites, so checking these areas at the start of the season gives you the chance to catch a nest when it’s still small.
Are Paper Wasps Dangerous?
Paper wasps are generally considered less aggressive than European wasps, but this does not mean they are harmless. A disturbed nest will prompt an immediate defensive response — wasps will swarm and sting repeatedly. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times and remain unaffected, which makes an agitated colony particularly hazardous.
Stings cause sharp pain, swelling, and redness at the site. For people with a wasp venom allergy, even a single sting can trigger anaphylaxis — a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. If anyone in your household has a known allergy, do not attempt DIY nest removal under any circumstances. Contact experienced pest control professionals straight away.
How to Get Rid of Paper Wasps: Step-by-Step
For small, accessible nests where no allergy risk is present, careful DIY removal is an option. Follow these steps closely to reduce the risk of stings.
Step 1: Identify the Nest Correctly
Confirm you are dealing with paper wasps and not European wasps or bees. Paper wasp nests are open-faced, greyish-brown, and attached via a single stalk. European wasp nests are enclosed and papery, often built underground or inside wall cavities — these require a different approach and should always be handled professionally. If you are unsure which species you are dealing with, our guide on how to get rid of a wasp nest safely covers identification across species.
Step 2: Choose the Right Time
Attempt removal in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and most of the colony is at rest inside the nest. Avoid midday — wasps are at peak activity during warm daylight hours and are far more likely to react aggressively to any disturbance.
Step 3: Put On Protective Clothing
Before approaching the nest, cover as much skin as possible. Wear thick, long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and safety goggles. If you have a beekeeper’s veil or a full face shield, use it. Tuck trouser legs into socks so wasps cannot crawl inside.
Step 4: Use a Commercial Wasp Spray
Select a commercial wasp spray that specifies use against paper wasps — products containing pyrethrin or permethrin are widely available at hardware and garden stores across Australia. Stand at the maximum distance recommended on the label, aim directly at the nest opening, and spray thoroughly. Remain still after spraying and be prepared to move away calmly if wasps emerge.
Step 5: Wait and Confirm Activity Has Stopped
Do not approach the nest immediately after spraying. Wait at least 24 hours and observe whether wasps are still entering and exiting. If activity has ceased, the nest can be knocked down using a long-handled tool and disposed of in a sealed bin bag.
Step 6: Clear the Area Beforehand
Before starting, ensure children and pets are moved well away from the area. Plan a clear escape route so you can move to safety quickly if wasps react aggressively. Never stand directly beneath the nest — always approach from the side.
Natural Methods to Deter Paper Wasps
If you want to discourage paper wasps from nesting near your property without using chemical sprays, several natural deterrents can help — particularly when used early in the season before a queen establishes a nest.
- Decoy nests: Paper wasps are territorial and will typically avoid building near an existing colony. Hanging a fake paper wasp nest (a brown paper bag inflated and tied shut works as a simple version) under eaves or near the shed in early spring can deter queens from settling there.
- Peppermint oil: Wasps dislike strong mint scents. Dilute peppermint essential oil with water and spray along eaves, window frames, and shed openings where you have previously found nests. Reapply after rain.
- Remove food sources: Keep bin lids firmly closed, remove fallen fruit from the garden promptly, and avoid leaving sugary drinks uncovered outdoors — these attract wasps searching for food to feed larvae.
- Seal entry points: Block cracks, gaps, and openings in eaves, fascia boards, and shed walls where queens may be sheltering over winter or beginning a new nest.
Natural deterrents work best as a preventative measure rather than a solution once a colony is established. For an active nest, appropriate removal is always the more reliable option.
When DIY Is Not Enough: Signs You Need Professional Help
While small, accessible nests can sometimes be handled carefully at home, there are situations where professional paper wasp removal is the only sensible course of action. Consider calling in experienced professionals if:
- The nest is large or has been growing undisturbed for an extended period
- It is located inside a wall cavity, roof space, or other enclosed area that limits safe access
- The nest is high up and requires ladder work — handling a wasp reaction from height is dangerous
- Anyone in the household has a known allergy to wasp stings
- You are unsure whether you are dealing with paper wasps, European wasps, or bees
- A previous DIY attempt failed or the colony returned quickly
Our post on signs you need professional pest control in Australia can help you decide when to handle a problem yourself and when calling for professional assistance is the safer approach. You might also find our comparison of DIY vs professional pest control useful for weighing up your options.
How to Prevent Paper Wasps from Returning
Once a nest has been removed, taking steps to make your property less hospitable to paper wasps will reduce the likelihood of new queens choosing the same spot next season.
- Seal all gaps and crevices in eaves, fascia boards, and shed walls — these are common overwintering spots for queen wasps
- Inspect eaves, outdoor furniture, and garden structures at the start of spring each year, before nest building begins in earnest
- Keep the garden tidy — remove clutter, woodpiles close to the house, and debris that could shelter a nest
- Consider a preventative spray treatment around eaves and potential nesting sites in early spring
For broader pest prevention across all seasons, our winter pest prevention checklist and guide on preparing your home for pest challenges across different seasons offer practical steps you can take year-round.
Paper Wasps vs Mud Wasps vs Bees: Knowing the Difference
It is worth being confident in your identification before taking any action, as the right approach differs depending on the species.
- Paper wasps build open-celled, greyish-brown nests in sheltered outdoor spots. Colony size is typically small (12–20 individuals). Less aggressive than European wasps but will sting if provoked.
- Mud wasps (mud daubers) build small, tubular nests from mud, often on walls or ceilings. Solitary insects — there is no colony to defend, so they are rarely aggressive. See our guide on how to get rid of mud wasps in Australia for more detail.
- Bees form enclosed hives and are far more beneficial to the environment. Bee swarms and established hives should not be destroyed — contact a local beekeeper for relocation. Our posts on keeping bees away from your home and what to do with a bee swarm cover this in more detail.
Health Risks of Wasp Stings
Most paper wasp stings result in localised pain, redness, and swelling that subsides within a few hours. Applying a cold pack and an antihistamine cream can help manage discomfort. However, if you or someone nearby experiences any of the following symptoms after a sting, call emergency services immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Sudden swelling of the throat or tongue
- Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or loss of consciousness
- Widespread hives or rash beyond the sting site
These are signs of anaphylaxis and require immediate medical attention. For a broader overview of the health risks associated with common Australian pests, see our post on health risks of common Australian pests.
Why Choose True Pest Control?
At True Pest Control, we take a careful, methodical approach to wasp removal — prioritising the safety of your household and the effective resolution of the problem. Our experienced team uses appropriate protective equipment and proven methods to remove paper wasp nests from eaves, sheds, roof spaces, and other locations across Melbourne and surrounding areas.
- Experienced professionals handling wasp nests safely in residential and commercial properties
- Correct species identification before any treatment is carried out
- Safe, quality work focused on prompt resolution with minimal disruption
- Prevention advice tailored to your property to reduce the likelihood of nests returning
- Customer-focused service with clear communication throughout
Conclusion
Paper wasps are a manageable pest when caught early and handled with the right precautions. Knowing how to identify a nest, choosing the safest time for removal, and taking the right protective measures can make a significant difference — but when nests are large, inaccessible, or there is any allergy risk involved, calling in experienced professionals is always the right decision.
If you have a paper wasp nest on your property that needs professional removal, contact True Pest Control today. Our team provides prompt, reliable service across Melbourne to help you take back your outdoor spaces safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques 1: Are paper wasps dangerous to humans?
Ans. Paper wasps are generally less aggressive than European wasps, but they will sting if their nest is disturbed. Their sting is painful and can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Nests near high-traffic areas should be removed promptly.
Ques 2: What time of day is safest to remove a paper wasp nest?
Ans. Early morning or late evening is the safest time, as paper wasps are far less active in cooler temperatures. Avoid removal during the middle of the day when the colony is most active and alert.
Ques 3: How do I identify a paper wasp nest?
Ans. Paper wasp nests are greyish-brown with an open honeycomb structure — you can see individual cells clearly. They are typically found hanging under eaves, shed roofs, tree branches, or garden furniture, attached by a single stalk.
Ques 4: Can I remove a paper wasp nest myself?
Ans. Small, accessible nests can be removed with the right protective gear, a commercial wasp spray, and correct timing. However, large nests, nests in confined spaces, or nests near people with known allergies should always be handled by experienced pest control professionals.
Ques 5: How do I stop paper wasps from coming back?
Ans. After removal, seal gaps and crevices around eaves and sheds where queens may overwinter. Remove fallen fruit from the garden, keep bins sealed, and inspect eaves and outdoor furniture regularly at the start of spring when queens begin scouting for nest sites.
Ques 6: What spray works on paper wasps?
Ans. Commercial wasp sprays containing pyrethrin or permethrin are commonly used for paper wasp nest removal in Australia. Always follow the label directions, wear protective clothing, and spray from a safe distance — ideally at dusk when wasps are least active.
Ques 7: When should I call a professional for paper wasp removal?
Ans. Call a professional when the nest is large, in a hard-to-reach location, inside a wall cavity, or when anyone in your household has a known wasp sting allergy. Professionals have the appropriate equipment and protective gear to manage removal safely.
