Bald-Faced Wasps Chewing Deck Wood: Stain or Paint to Deter

Homeowner has bald-faced wasps (identified from photos) chewing deck wood. Wasps are beneficial; wants to stop wood damage without killing them. Photo shows wasp and wood damage.

Why They Chew Wood

Bald-faced wasps (Dolichovespula maculata) build aerial paper nests from wood fiber + saliva. They're harvesting your deck for nest material.

Simple Solution

Paint or stain the deck. Any coating (water-based stain simplest) makes wood unpalatable. Unfinished wood = wasp building supply.

Nest Location

Nests are usually in shrub branches, not on the deck. See typical nest appearance and control info if nest becomes threatening.