How Do Wasps Come Out During Winter?
WouterDuring winter, a wasp queen will hibernate. If it does not freeze, the queen will emerge in the spring and begin building a new nest. During the winter, wasps are carnivorous, feeding on aphids, beetles, and other insects. They can also be found nesting in roof spaces and basements.
When the temperatures begin to fall, most wasp colonies will die off. The lone queen will lay eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae, which regurgitate insect exoskeletons and food. These larvae pupate into workers, and the adult workers catch the insects and feed the larvae. In the spring, the adults also feed on nectar from flowers.
Although wasps have a reputation for being a nuisance during the winter, they are more important than most people realize. Wasps are responsible for plant pollination, just like honey bees. They give plants a better chance at thriving.
The mouthparts of a wasp are similar to those of a honey bee. The hind legs of the wasp act as an anchor. They also help the wasp maintain its body heat.
Wasp colonies will do whatever it takes to keep the queen alive. They will ration food to provide enough for the queen. They will build new nests when they see a suitable location. They may also try to invade living areas.
If you want to control a wasp colony, the best thing to do is to act proactively. You can find more information about wasps at the NC State Department of Entomology.
