The common term “red wasp” typically refers to species of the genus Polistes, often the red paper wasps Polistes carolina or Polistes rubiginosus, which are native to the southeastern and south-central United States. These insects are frequently encountered near human dwellings, leading to questions about their temperament and the likelihood of a sting. Understanding the difference between their predatory instincts and their defensive behavior is important for safely coexisting with these insects.
Identifying the Red Paper Wasp
These insects possess a distinctive reddish-brown or rust coloration across their slender, elongated bodies. Red paper wasps usually measure between 0.75 to 1.25 inches (20 to 32 millimeters) in length, making them relatively large. They feature a noticeably narrow waist.
The wings are typically dark brown to a purplish-black, contrasting with their reddish bodies. Distinguishing between the two most common species, P. carolina and P. rubiginosus, is difficult due to their similar color, but they are the only large wasps in the eastern United States with this deep red hue. As members of the paper wasp group, they construct nests from a gray, paper-like material made from chewed wood fibers.
Understanding Their Defensive Behavior
Red wasps are generally not aggressive toward humans unless they perceive a direct threat or are actively defending their nest. Their aggression is defensive, triggered by proximity to their colony, vibration, or direct physical disturbance. Unlike scavenger wasps such as yellow jackets, red paper wasps are predatory hunters focused on collecting insects to feed their young, and they are not typically interested in human food or drinks.
The defensive response often correlates with the colony’s developmental stage, increasing as the brood grows later in the season. When a nest is disturbed, the wasps may first exhibit a warning behavior, such as facing the perceived threat and lifting their wings, before resorting to stinging. If an intrusion continues, the wasps will sting repeatedly, as their stingers lack barbs and remain intact, allowing for multiple defensive strikes. P. carolina may be more aggressively defensive than other paper wasp species, reacting to threats with less provocation.
Avoiding Conflict
The primary way to avoid conflict with red wasps is to respect their nesting locations, as their defensive behavior is centered around the colony. Red paper wasps build characteristic umbrella-shaped nests that are open-celled and typically found hanging in sheltered spots, such as under eaves, porch ceilings, or inside hollow structures. Since they frequently choose man-made structures for nesting, encounters with humans are common, making early detection important.
Checking common nesting spots in the spring, when colonies are small, helps manage potential risk before the population increases. If a wasp is encountered away from a nest, remaining calm and still is the best response, as swatting or sudden movements are interpreted as an attack. If you find yourself close to a nest, slowly and quietly backing away without causing vibrations is the safest action, minimizing the perceived threat and reducing the likelihood of a defensive response.