GotchaPest is a smarter way to solve everyday pest problems — combining reusable pest-control products, proven solutions, AI-powered pest identification, expert guidance, and community knowledge in one simple platform.

Will a GotchaPest trap catch paper wasps?

Yes. Paper wasps are drawn to sweet baits, especially late in the season. A bee-safe trap placed away from the nest and your seating intercepts foraging workers without harming bees.

Are paper wasps dangerous?

Less so than yellow wasps, but they will sting repeatedly to defend the comb. Stings are painful and can trigger allergies. Because their nests are small and exposed, they are far easier to remove safely at night than a Vespula nest.

How do I remove a paper wasp nest from my eaves?

When the comb is small and exposed, knock it into a bucket of soapy water at night while the wasps are slow and cool. Wear long sleeves and protective clothing. Never tackle a large or hidden Vespula nest yourself — call a professional.

What is the difference between a paper wasp and a German wasp?

Paper wasps are slender with long dangling legs and build small open combs; German wasps (a "yellow wasp") are stocky and build enclosed nests in the ground or walls. Paper wasps are also less aggressive and need different control.

Do paper wasps harm bees or gardens?

They hunt caterpillars to feed their larvae, which can help reduce garden pests but also takes native butterfly caterpillars. They are not a major threat to beehives, but most gardeners prefer them controlled rather than encouraged.

Paper Wasp Traps

Bee-safe, reusable traps that intercept foraging paper wasps — and cross-links to safe nest removal guidance.

NZ-made traps

Paper wasps are the slender, long-legged wasps that build small open paper combs under eaves, fences and shrubs across much of New Zealand. They are less aggressive than the stocky yellow wasps, but each female can sting more than once in defence of her comb — and by late summer the foragers are drawn to sweet bait.

A bee-safe GotchaPest wasp trap placed away from the nest and your seating intercepts foraging paper wasps without harming bees. For the nest itself, a small exposed comb can be removed safely at night — see our paper wasp guide. The trap is UV-tough, reusable, and refilled from the pantry season after season.

Why a reusable trap?

✓ UV-tough for the harsh New Zealand sun
✓ Refilled with everyday pantry bait — no chemicals
✓ Emptied and reused season after season
✓ Designed and made in New Zealand

Our paper wasp traps

Reusable, Bee-Safe Wasp Trap

Fast, safe, and seriously effective — NZ-made wasp trap that protects pollinators.

$14.99

What is a paper wasp in New Zealand?

Paper wasps are the slender, long-legged wasps that build small, open, umbrella-shaped paper combs under eaves, fence posts and shrubs. Two species are established in NZ — the Asian paper wasp (Polistes chinensis) and the Australian paper wasp (Polistes humilis). They are quite different from the stocky yellow wasps that nest in the ground or walls.

Paper wasps are less aggressive than Vespula wasps, but each female can sting repeatedly in defence of her comb. The good news is their nests are small and exposed, which makes early removal practical — and a bee-safe trap catches the foragers. See our full paper wasp species guide for identification and safe removal.

Identify your pest first

A trap works best once you know exactly which pest you have. Start with our deep-dive New Zealand guides.

Frequently asked questions

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Paper Wasp Traps

Why a reusable trap?

Our paper wasp traps

What is a paper wasp in New Zealand?

Identify your pest first

Paper Wasp — full species guide

Asian Paper Wasp guide

Australian Paper Wasp guide

Safe nest removal guide

Why a bee-safe wasp trap matters

Ask Buzzy to ID your wasp

Frequently asked questions

Trap smarter with GotchaPest