Did You Know Wasps Don’t Hold Grudges?
WouterWhether you’re a wasp enthusiast or simply not sure what to do when you encounter a nest full of these insects, there are a few things you should know about the aggressive beasts.
The first thing you should know about wasps is that they are social creatures. They rely on chemical signals called pheromones to communicate. These chemical signals act as alarms and warn other wasps of a potential danger.
Another thing you should know is that wasps don’t hold grudges. This isn’t to say that they’re malicious or aggressive – they just don’t have emotions. That said, they do sting because they fear danger.
Wasps are also a lot more aggressive than bees. They will sting you if you disturb their nest. Unlike bees, however, they don’t sting you without cause. Their aggression is a reaction to pheromones left behind after they die. They also do not lose their stinger. That said, you should avoid picking up dead wasps. If you do, they will still sting you.
Wasps are very active in the late summer and early fall. Their colonies are mostly located in warm, undisturbed places, like attics or electrical panels. In recent years, they’ve even built “super nests” in garages and on cars. These nests can hold up to 15,000 wasps.
While wasps aren’t evil or malicious, they do sting you because they feel threatened. They will become aggressive if they believe you are a threat to their nest.
