How Long Do Paper Wasps Stay in Their Nest?
WouterUsually, paper wasps stay in their nest for about one season. They die when the first hard frost hits and their nest degrades over the winter. In some cases, the nest may be reused the following year. In those cases, it is best to have a licensed pest control professional remove it.
During the summer, paper wasps are primarily active. They mate, lay eggs, and then build a nest. The nest reaches a diameter of 6-8 inches in size. The nest is built of wood fibers collected from plants. The nest is enlarged as the queen and young grow. It contains up to 200 cells. It is a grey honeycomb-like structure.
When winter arrives, the queen paper wasp enters a state of diapause. She becomes sluggish, and her offspring gather food. During this period, she remains inside the nest, producing more young.
When spring arrives, the queen begins to build a new nest. This one is more protected than the previous one, so she will stay around for a longer period of time.
Paper wasps are not aggressive by nature, but they will sting if disturbed. They prey on flies, beetle larvae, and plant nectar. They are most active at night. When the nest is threatened, they release an attack pheromone.
If you find paper wasps, the first thing you should do is get rid of them. You can use a long-handled tool to break down the nest. The nest should be broken into small pieces, and you can spray them with wasp spray.
