How Long Do Wasps Stay in the Same Nest?
Unlike most birds and bats, wasps do not build their own nests, nor are they known to re-use the same nest twice. However, wasps do construct nests in many places, including tree trunks, in the eaves of buildings, and in mounds of dirt.
A wasp nest is a complex structure that is designed to support a colony of wasps. It is generally made of wood fibers, which are chewed into pulp. The pulp forms a structure that looks like paper when dried. The nest itself can be up to 30 cm wide.
There are two types of wasps – social wasps, such as yellow jackets, and solitary wasps, such as hornets. Social wasps are suited for living in large groups, and they typically have a heavily guarded entrance. They are not prone to relocation and will likely stay alive for several years if the queen does not die.
Solitary wasps, on the other hand, are not territorial and can relocate when needed. Some solitary wasp species collaborate to build multiple nests with one entrance. The nests may be quite large, and they may take years to construct.
A wasp’s nest may contain several thousand wasps. Some wasps may be particularly active during the late summer and early fall. Others will be inactive, awaiting warmer weather. When the cooler weather arrives, the workers will begin to die off.
The best time to find a wasp nest is in the early morning hours. The wasps are less active during the day.