House field wasp (Polistes dominula)

Size:

• Queen: 13–18 mm
• Worker: 12–15 mm
• Drones: 12–15 mm

Look:

• Yellow and black coloring
• No drawing on the head shield
• black jaw forceps

Life cycle:

• One-year colony (April–October)
• The queen hibernates and founds a new colony in the spring.

Nest:

• Nesting sites: cracks in the ground, attics, crevices in walls, roller shutter boxes
• Nest size: 10–50 individuals
• Nest made of weathered wood, grey structure without an outer shell

Nutrition:

• Larvae: Protein-rich food (insects, meat)
• Adults: Carbohydrates (sugar, nectar, fruit)

Behave:

• Social: Clear division of labor (queen, workers, drones)
• Aggressive in the face of any threat, increased aggression at the nest
• Pollination and pest control

Stitches:

• The European paper wasp is not known to use its stinger against humans. Due to its short and soft stinger, it is even possible for it to penetrate the skin.

Allergic reactions:

• Wasp stings can trigger severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive individuals, which can be life-threatening.
• Typical symptoms: shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, widespread swelling, especially in the face or airways.
• People with known allergies should always carry an emergency kit (e.g., an adrenaline auto-injector).

Toxic effects:

• The sting injects a toxin containing histamine and other irritating substances that can damage tissue and cause pain.
• Multiple stings at the same time can trigger toxic reactions, especially dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with weakened health.

Disease transmission:

• No relevant disease transmissions

Food:

• Always cover food and drinks when outdoors, especially meat and sweets.
• Dispose of food scraps and waste in sealable containers.

Hygiene:

• Do not leave open garbage cans or bags.

House and garden:

• Seal cracks, crevices and potential nesting sites on houses.
• Install insect screens on windows and doors.

Behave:

• Avoid sudden movements or blowing on wasps, as this will trigger aggressive behavior.
• Keep your distance from nests and do not remove nests yourself – consult professional pest control experts.

Garden maintenance:

• Empty water sources (e.g., plant pots) regularly, as wasps use them to cool their nests.
• Regularly collect fallen fruit in the garden.