Can Wasps Take Over a Bees Nest?
During the summer, wasps can attack beehives and destroy their stores of honey. This will leave bees starving to death. The wasps are looking for food and protein. They may steal larvae and eggs. If they get into the hive, they can also sting the bees and kill them.
If you suspect that a wasp colony is taking over a beehive, it is important to eliminate them. There are many methods available to eliminate these pests. Using powders may help, but it may take several treatments before the wasps are controlled.
Normally, wasps live alone. They build their nests from wood pulp and saliva. Some wasps also use mud as their primary building material. These nests are generally found in protected areas.
During the early part of the year, wasps collect meat and carrion. In the summer, wasps seek out nectar from flowers and fruits, and eat pollen and protein from insects. In winter, the queens of the colony hibernate. The workers of the colony maintain the hive.
In the spring, the queens begin to build nests. The nests vary in size and shape, and they tend to be papery. They can be found on the ground or in trees.
The nests usually grow in size through the summer. They then die off in the autumn. Wasp colonies can number from tens to thousands.
Wasps build their nests in sheltered places, such as tree branches and under house eaves. If you can, avoid nests that are located in a dark shade.