Winter is coming, and while most of us are busy preparing for cozy nights by the fireplace and holiday celebrations, there’s a buzzing question that few ponder on – where do wasps go in the winter? If you’ve had a summer run-in with these stinging pests, the thought may have crossed your mind.
The good news is that understanding the winter behavior of wasps can help you prepare and prevent future issues. Let’s take a look at the winter habits of wasps so you can plan ahead for what’s coming next.
Where Do Wasps Go in the Winter?
Come winter, you might notice the once vibrant activity of wasps around your home dwindling down to nothing. It’s like they’ve vanished into thin air. But don’t be fooled – wasps have their own winter survival strategies.
Unlike honeybees, which huddle together to keep warm, wasps are not designed for communal living during the cold months. The majority of wasps, including the workers and males, die off when the temperature drops. It’s a harsh reality, but their purpose is mainly served during the warmer months. The queen wasp, however, hibernates to ensure the survival of the species.
The queen wasp is the key to the survival of her colony. She seeks out a safe and sheltered place to hibernate, often burrowing into tree bark, crevices in buildings, attics, and even underground. These hidden spots provide the insulation she needs to survive until spring.
While the nest plays a critical role during the active months, it does not serve as a winter refuge. Once the wasps abandon it, the nest deteriorates and is not reused. Each year, a new nest is built from scratch.
Winter Habits of Different Types of Wasps
Although most types of wasps are similar in their approach to winter, there are some individual differences among them.
For example, paper wasps, known for their delicate, umbrella-shaped nests, typically have small, loosely organized colonies. As winter approaches, these wasps experience significant die-offs, especially among the workers.
By the time the cold sets in, only the mated queen remains alive, having been nourished throughout the summer to ensure her survival.
Unlike many other species, paper wasp queens may hibernate in groups, finding suitable sheltered areas such as hollow logs, tree hollows, or the eaves of buildings. This communal hibernation can provide added warmth and safety against the cold, though eventually, it is still just the queen who will emerge in spring to establish a new colony.
In contrast, yellowjackets, which are known for their more aggressive nature and the distinctive black and yellow markings, have different winter habits. These wasps also live in colonies, but their organization tends to be more compact and communal.
As temperatures drop, most yellowjackets will die off, with only the fertilized queens surviving the winter. The queens seek out protected spaces similar to those chosen by paper wasps, including underground burrows or insulated building crevices. Unlike paper wasps, yellowjackets do not hibernate together but instead secure themselves in individual sites.
Preparing for Spring
Knowing where wasps go in the winter is half the battle. The other half is taking preventive measures to make sure they don’t become a problem when the weather warms back up again. Here are some tips:
- Inspect and Repair: Start by inspecting your property for potential hibernation spots. Check attics, sheds, and other sheltered areas. Seal any cracks or crevices that could serve as entry points. Repair damaged window screens and ensure vents are properly covered.
- Clean Up: Wasps are attracted to food sources, so make sure to clean up any fallen fruit, garbage, or compost piles around your property. This reduces the likelihood of attracting wasps looking for a quick meal before winter.
- Set Traps: Consider setting up wasp traps around your property in late summer and early fall. These traps can help reduce the wasp population before they have a chance to build nests and hibernate.
With the knowledge of where wasps go in the winter and how to prepare for spring, you can also take proactive steps to prevent future infestations.
For example, you can get to work in the garden. There are certain plants, like mint, eucalyptus, and citronella, that are known to repel wasps. Planting these around your home can create a natural barrier against these stinging insects.
You can also plan to use natural repellents, like peppermint oil and clove oil, that (though not necessarily effective in killing wasps) can be effective in deterring wasps. Mix a few drops of these essential oils with water and spray around potential entry points.
Spring is Coming
Understanding the winter habits of wasps and taking preventive measures can save you from the headache of dealing with them in the spring.
But if all else fails – or if you’re concerned about the presence of stinging insects (particularly if you have someone in the home who’s allergic), don’t hesitate to reach out to Natura Pest Control in the Vancouver-Portland Metro area. Our team of experts is here to help you keep your home safe and comfortable, no matter the season.
Winter won’t last forever. Enjoy your wasp-free time now – and take steps to prepare for their rearrival come springtime.
