How Cold Before Wasps Die

During cold weather, most wasps die. However, there are some species that can survive. They are called heterothermic organisms. These wereps use different ways to regulate their body temperature.

Most wasps die when temperatures drop to around 15C or 60F. This causes them to slow down their metabolism and energy storage. In turn, this decreases their activity and development.

Wasps are classified as heterothermic organisms because they use sugars to generate heat. These sugars are metabolized in the body to provide energy. However, metabolizing sugars requires a great deal of energy. Because of this, these insects are not able to fly very well in cold weather.

If you notice wasps around your home, they may be searching for food. They are very protective of their queen and will attack any perceived threats to their nest. They may even regurgitate solids out of their stomachs to keep their body temperature down.

When the weather starts to get cooler, mated queens leave the nest to hibernate in a warm place. This is called diapause. In diapause, wasps are unable to fly, and they lose their ability to navigate. They are also under constant threat from predators.

When the weather gets warmer, fertile queens begin to lay eggs. These eggs will develop into young wasps. These young wasps will start to build a nest in the spring. In winter, these young wasps will hibernate under loose bark.

After hibernation, the queen will come out of the nest in the spring. This will form a new colony.