Pest Profile: Wasps

Wasp Biology and Life Cycle

Social wasps follow what is called a seasonal colony life cycle. In the spring, a fertilized queen emerges from winter and begins building a nest. She lays eggs and cares for the first generation of work bees. As these workers emerge, they continue to build the nest and defend it, letting the queen continue to lay eggs. As the colony grows during the summer, hundreds or thousands of bees can live in a single colony. The original colony will die off during the winter, while the queen leaves to start a new colony the next year by building a new nest.

Wasp Habitat and Behaviour

A variety of different locations can be suitable for social wasp nests. Paper wasps may be nests under eaves or soffits, while yellowjacket nests are commonly found underground or inside wall voids. Hornets, on the other hand, often build their large, enclosed nests in trees or on buildings. 

All kinds of wasps are more active during the warm months. They tend to get more and more aggressive as the summer goes on, which is when the colonies will reach their peak size. Food sources that attract wasps include sugary foods, meats, and garbage.

Wasp Treatment Options

It is strongly recommended to use professional wasp removal as opposed to taking a DIY approach. Pest control professionals have training and access to protective equipment to eliminate colonies safely. Once a problem colony has been removed, the risk of future problems can be mitigated by sealing up openings, securing garbage bins, and eliminating any other food sources.

Wasp FAQs

Q: Are social wasps dangerous?
A: Yes, they can be dangerous to humans, especially if their nests are disturbed. Multiple stings can occur, which may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. 

Q: Can I remove a wasp nest myself?
A: It’s a risky activity to attempt a wasp nest removal on your own. Instead, turn to a professional to make sure the job is done properly and safely. 

Q: Why do wasps become more aggressive in late summer?
A: As colonies peak in size and natural food sources decline, wasps will get more defensive and be more likely to interact with people.

Sources
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/social-wasps-yellowjackets-hornets-and-paper-wasps/
‍https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/social-wasps
‍https://extension.psu.edu/common-social-bees-and-wasps-of-pennsylvania-behavior-lifecycle-and-management