 it follows that mature colonies of these insects are much smaller than those of the multiplayer nests of hornets and yellow jackets. The nest of a paper wasp typically contains a few dozen adults while the nests of hornets and yellow jackets may number in the thousands.
Paper wasp colonies although common under the eaves of houses do not typically pose a threat to the homeowner unless the nest is disturbed. If disturbed they will readily defend the nest and sting is similar to that of a bee although unlike that of a honey bee these insects can sting repeatedly.
I was once asked in class how to remove a paper wasp nest from the eves of a home. Although not in the position to recommend such a task there are sprays available at garden centers that provide an instant knock down an subsequent kill of wasps and bees. One of the students in the class said she used hair spray which upon drying prevented the wasps from flying. Another student immediately added that she uses hair spray but lights it! Both seem quite unacceptable and possibly dangerous!
The most common social wasp found in the Western United States is the western yellow jacket. This species typically nests underground, but occasionally is found in wall voids and other protected locations. As with other members of this group these insects are predatory in nature but when their natural food is scarce they are attracted to any type of meat or sweets. Certain years these insects become extremely common and are major pests around campgrounds, restaurants and even backyards. One major factor relating to larger numbers during certain years is previous mild winters. Under these conditions the nests may not totally die out during the winter months.
An official from Catalina Island recently contacted me. The yellow jackets had become a major concern over the entire several-mile long island. In Avalon when customers ordered a hamburger and a coke at one of the restaurants it was a matter of whom or what got to the food first. One year on 3 separate occasions children