Where Do Waps Go In Winter? Revealing Shocking Answers

When winter approaches, you might ask, “Where do wasps go?” Once all those wasps are buzzing about in the summer, they seem to disappear when the weather gets cold. Most wasp species do not survive the cold months, but the queen wasps make a special exception.

Let’s explore what happens to wasps in winter, their nests, and what you should do if you find them in your house.

What Wasps Do When Winter Arrives

The only time Wasps’ lives change completely is when winter approaches. By late autumn, most of the colony, both the worker wasps and males, dies down. They cannot survive very cold temperatures, and survival becomes impossible with fewer food sources, such as nectar and insects.

In contrast, the queen wasps prepare themselves to endure until the coming of the winter season. Before winter sets in, they fly out from their nests in search of a safe and hidden place to hibernate over winter.

These new queens that occur at the end of summer are crucial for the perpetuation of their species. They have stored energy in their bodies to remain dormant until spring rolls around when they start a new colony.

Most wasp colonies abandon their nests during these cold months, leaving behind the remnants of what was once a thriving colony.

Do Wasps Hibernate in Winter?

Yes, the queen does hibernate in winter to survive. They do not fly around or search for food during this period. Instead, they go into a semi-dormant state, conserving energy until warmer months will again return. This survival strategy is vital for them to start new colonies when spring returns.

Where Do They Hibernate?

• Outdoors: Some queens hide in tree bark, wood piles, hollow logs, or even small cracks in walls and fences. This shelter helps them avoid harsh cold weather.
• Indoors: Some queens enter homes to find an attic or basement or hide behind a wall to avoid extreme cold conditions. Such areas offer warmth and safety in cold months.

Also, note that if the indoor temperatures become too high, queens will begin to emerge prematurely. That is why some people find wasps in their homes during the winter months. Preventive measures such as sealing cracks and controlling indoor heat reduce such incidences.

Can I Remove Wasp Nests During Winter?

Winter is the safest time to remove a wasp nest, as most of the wasps have already died over winter, and the queen has left to hibernate elsewhere. This can help prevent new queens from choosing the same location for a new colony the following spring.

When removing a nest:

1. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a long-sleeved shirt, to avoid any risk of stings.
2. Wait for a cold day to ensure that no active wasps are nearby.
3. Carefully take down the nest using tools like a broomstick or scraper.

Once the nest is removed, dispose of it in a sealed bag and clean the area thoroughly to erase any scent trails left behind. This reduces the chances of attracting other pests or insects.

Do Wasps Survive in Winter?

Most wasps, including workers and males, do not survive the winter season. Only the queens survive through hibernation, where their stores enable them to reach spring the next year.

What to Do If You Find Wasps in Your House During Winter

You may be surprised to find a wasp in your house during winter. A queen usually accidentally slipped into the house while looking for an overwintering shelter or looking for food to eat at home. 

Here’s how to deal with this situation:

• Stay calm: Wasps tend to be less aggressive around winter but may still sting if they feel threatened. 
• Trap and release: Gently trap the wasp in a container and free it elsewhere or out of reach from your home.
• Inspect your home. Check for wasp openings around windows, doors, and vents. Try to seal all cracks and gaps so no more wasps can come inside.

If you see multiple wasps inside your home, it is best to let a pest control service handle the situation. Such services will inspect your property and deal with the problem appropriately.

It’s also important to check dark corners, attics, and basements where queen wasps may hide. An early action will prevent a larger headache in the spring.

Effective Ways to Get Rid of Wasps in Winter

Prevent wasp problems by following the steps below during the winter months.

1.Seal Cracks and Gaps

Inspect your home for small openings around windows, doors, and vents. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal these gaps and keep wasps from entering. Pay extra attention to attics, basements, and crawl spaces, as these are common hiding spots for hibernating queen wasps.

2.Remove Outdoor Clutter

Loose wood, tree bark, and other debris can serve as hiding spots for hibernating queens. Cleaning up your yard can prevent these wasps from settling near your compound. Remove unused wood piles, trim overgrown bushes, and cut any shrubs to eliminate possible nesting sites.

3.Install Screens

You can use fine-mesh screens to cover vents and other openings in a way that blocks access by other insects to prevent them from nesting. Check these screens periodically for damage and repair tears to remain effective all winter.

4.Use Natural Repellents

Certain scents, such as peppermint or clove, repel wasps. Soak cotton balls in essential oils near windows, doors, or other areas where wasps might enter. Use a spray bottle to mist diluted peppermint oil around your home’s exterior and near potential entry points for added protection.

Following these steps and maintaining a vigilant approach can protect your home and reduce the chances of a wasp infestation during the colder months.

Conclusion

Wasps have a unique method of surviving the cold season. Most of its colony dies, but the queen wasps hibernate in obscure places to prepare for founding a new colony in spring. Removing old nests during winter and sealing your home can help prevent further problems. Knowing their behavior and taking simple precautions can keep your home free of wasps all year round.

FAQs

• Do wasps come back to the same nest every year?

No, wasps never reuse old nests. Each spring, queens build entirely new ones to start fresh colonies.

• Why are wasps in my house during winter?

They may be queen wasps looking for a safe, warm place to hibernate. Check for and seal cracks or gaps to prevent their entry.

• When do queen wasps wake up?

When temperatures rise, queen wasps usually wake up in early spring to begin building a new nest and start their colony.

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