How Do Wasps Take Over Bee Nests?
WouterSeveral different species of wasps exist. Several species are social, while others are solitary. Social species have a queen and a swarm of worker wasps. The queens will lay eggs to form a new colony when the swarm leaves. The solitary species are typically defending their nests.
A social wasp colony starts out small in the spring. It builds up during the summer and builds a large nest in the fall. The nests are made of wood fibers. The queen is responsible for building the nest. After she is gone, the worker wasps take over the construction.
Wasps have a smooth, shiny body with striped markings. They are often larger than bees, and have longer legs. They are often attracted to protein and food scraps. They also prey on flies and caterpillars.
Most wasps are ground-living. They can be found in sheltered areas such as flower beds, or around old buildings. Some wasps also hang from eaves.
The nests are paper-like, but some species have been known to use wood fibers. Some colonies are made of several thousand workers. During the winter, wasps die due to lack of food. If you want to avoid a wasp infestation, you can remove nests and repair areas after removal.
If you suspect a wasp infestation, you can use baited wasp traps or a homemade wasp repellent made from a crumpled paper bag. You can also use citronella or wormwood. Always keep your bins tight.
