The common paper wasps are found all across southern mainland
Australia from Southern Queensland, through New South Wales,
down into Victoria and across to South Australia. They are
10-15mm long and will sometimes appear yellow in or red in
colour. The wasp is a social insect and will usually have
colonies of many individuals. They make their ‘paper’ nests by
chewing nectar and using their saliva to form the nest. Each
cell on the cone shaped nest is a nursery, and the larvae are
fed by the adults on a diet of chewed caterpillars. The wasp is
a beneficial insect around the home, they help control
caterpillars, but they become extremely aggressive when
approached or if their nest is disturbed. They can deliver a
painful sting and the nests should be avoided during the day. In
the event of a sting apply a cold pack and if allergic symptoms
appear seek medical advice. The nests are normally built under
shelter, areas like under eves and window sills, however stings
occur often due to nests also being built on pa