How Did Wasps Retrieve Their Dead?
WouterUnlike bees, which defend their colonies by stinging, wasps do not attack humans. However, they may sting you if they feel threatened. And when a wasp dies, the body releases a chemical signal that alerts other wasps in the colony to the death of a member.
Most species of wasps live in the wild. Some build nests in trees, while others live in buildings. Some species are aggressive and may attack humans. Other species are docile.
Wasp colonies may be small in the beginning of the season, but they’ll grow and expand rapidly in the summer. They may have dozens or even hundreds of individuals in a colony. These colonies may also include fertile females. The colonies become abandoned in the fall.
Wasps feed on nectar and honeydew. They also eat other insects, including aphids. Wasps are most active during the day. However, some species do not strike at night.
Wasps live for three months or more in the wild, and may live indoors for up to four months. They may also build nests in homes. They can enter a home through an open window, or accidentally be brought in through an open door. If you suspect a wasp nest in your home, contact a pest control technician.
Wasps also release a pheromone signal when they feel threatened. This pheromone attracts other wasps and warns them to move away from the nest.
The CDC reported that there were 1,109 deaths from wasp stings between 2000 and 2017. If you’re unsure of whether you’ve had a wasp sting, contact a doctor.
