Wasps and wasp nests are a common sight during the summer and fall months, but have you ever seen a wasp in the winter? While many species of pests do die off or become inactive during the colder months, some species are able to survive and even continue their activity. Surprisingly, bees, and yellow jackets keep active during the colder season.
In most cases, most wasps die off during winter, with the exception of the females. Females become queens during spring and summer and spread out to find their own nests. Other species of wasps, such as hornets and mud daubers, will become inactive during the winter months. They will either die off or enter a state of diapause, in order to survive the cold temperatures. Over 130 mammals participate in diapause, which is a type of hibernation. To handle the frozen temperatures, they slow down their metabolism and stay still inside the nest.
It is important to note that wasp activity during the winter is highly dependent on the local climate. In areas with mild winters, wasp activity may be similar to what is seen during the summer and fall. In contrast, in areas with severe winters, wasp activity may be virtually non-existent. Another thing to note is that winters can be different from year to year. People who have lived in a specific location for a while will tell you how “unusually warm this winter is,” or about that blizzard of 98’ that took everyone by surprise. These factors will affect the activity of wasps.
Ground Wasps
These insects are known to build their wasp nests, you guessed it— underground, hence the name. Building their nests in this location provides them with some protection from the cold. They will also forage for food during the warmer parts of the day and return to their nests at night to keep warm. Ground wasps collect nectar, fruits, and other insects to eat. In areas with mild winters, yellow jackets may be active throughout the entire winter. In areas where winters are harsh and unforgiving, ground wasps do not come out to forage, and instead stock up during fall. Oftentimes, nests can reach up to a basketball size during winter, which means unwanted guests at summer parties.
Paper wasps
Another species of wasp that is active during the winter is the paper wasp. These wasps are known to build their nests under eaves, inside sheds or barns, attics, and sometimes within the walls of a home. Much like the ground wasp, paper wasps gather food during fall and stock up within the nest. During summer and fall, the nest is built up to hold up to 75 adults within it. Which means a lot of foraging to feed the adults and the larva that will be hatching.
In conclusion, while wasp activity during the winter may not be as noticeable as it is during the warmer months, some species are still able to survive and even continue their activity. Though they may not seem like an issue during the winter, they can grow within or around your home and at best be a major annoyance, at worst lead to structural damage by spring and summer time. At Green Pest Management, with regular treatment we keep nests out and keep pests controlled. Give us a call at (302) 777-2390 for a quote on the best pest control near you, or to answer any questions, or concerns.
Sources:
Authors: Kate Anton, Christina Grozinger, Ph.D., & Natalie Boyle. “Common Social Bees and Wasps of Pennsylvania: Behavior, Lifecycle, and Management”, Updated April 13,2021
“Wasps and Bees”, University of Minnesota Extension, Reviewed 2020
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees
“Diapause”, Britannica
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