Red Wasp | Tennessee Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Red Wasps in Tennessee
Red wasps are one of the largest wasp species found in North America and can quickly turn a peaceful outdoor gathering into a painful experience. These territorial insects build distinctive nests and can deliver painful stings when threatened.- Size: Approximately 1 inch long
- Color: Reddish-brown body with blackish-purple wings
- Shape: Slender body with narrow waist
- Active Season: Spring through fall
- Lifespan: Workers live several weeks, queens survive winter
- Reproduction Rate: Queens can produce hundreds of eggs per season
What Do Red Wasps Look Like?
Red wasps are distinctively colored with reddish-brown bodies and dark, blackish-purple wings. They feature the characteristic narrow “waist” common to wasps, separating the thorax and abdomen. At approximately one inch in length, they are among the larger wasp species found in Tennessee, making them relatively easy to identify when spotted.
Key Identifying Features
- Reddish-brown body coloration that gives them their name
- Dark, blackish-purple wings that contrast with their body color
- Large size (approximately 1 inch in length)
- Slender body with the typical wasp “waist”
- Build distinctive umbrella-shaped nests from chewed wood pulp
- Less aggressive than yellow jackets but still defensive of their nests
Related Species
Yellow jackets are closely related to red wasps but are smaller and more aggressive. They typically build nests underground, while red wasps construct aerial nests. Paper wasps are similar in appearance to red wasps but can vary in color from brown to yellow with black markings. Mud daubers, another Tennessee wasp, are more solitary and build distinctive tube-like mud nests.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
Red wasps can pose significant health risks to Tennessee homeowners and their families.
- Painful stings that cause swelling, redness, and discomfort
- Release of pheromones when threatened that attract other colony members to attack
- Potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals
- Multiple stings possible from a single provoked colony
Property Damage
While red wasps don’t typically cause structural damage, their nests can create problems.
- Unsightly nests on buildings can detract from property appearance
- Restricted use of outdoor living spaces due to wasp activity
- Potential staining on exterior surfaces from nest materials
- Possible interior damage if wasps find entry points into homes
Where to Look for Red Wasps in Your Home
Red wasps prefer to build their distinctive umbrella-shaped nests in elevated, protected locations. Unlike yellow jackets with their hidden underground nests, red wasp nests are quite visible once established. Common nesting locations include:- Trees and large shrubs around your property
- Under the eaves of roofs
- Beneath decks and porches
- Inside or under outdoor structures like sheds and gazebos
- Behind shutters and in wall voids
- Around outdoor light fixtures
Red wasps construct their nests from chewed wood fibers, creating a papery material that forms their characteristic umbrella-shaped structures. These nests can grow quite large as the colony expands throughout the season.
When to Call Professional Help
Professional intervention is necessary when dealing with red wasp nests due to the danger of provoking a colony-wide attack. If you notice increased red wasp activity around your property, spot a developing nest, or observe wasps repeatedly entering and exiting the same area, contact professional pest control immediately. Attempting to remove nests yourself can trigger their defense mechanism, releasing pheromones that call other wasps to attack.Schedule a Free Inspection
Protect what matters most with U.S. Pest’s expert red wasp control and prevention services. Our trained technicians can identify nests, safely remove existing colonies, and implement preventive measures to keep these stinging pests away from your Tennessee home. From identifying potential risk factors to sealing entry points and removing nests, we provide comprehensive protection against red wasps.
