Wasp Nests on the Move
When Spring arrives, our gardens must prepare for the arrival of a variety of insects, the most common of which are wasps. Wasps, unlike bees, are aggressive insects that can cause serious harm if their nest is threatened. Wasps begin building their nests at the start of spring (around mid-April) when the weather begins to warm.
How Long Can a Wasp Nest Survive?
Wasps are warm-weather insects that construct their nests in the spring and early summer.
In most cases, wasp nests can last three to four months if not attacked by predators or the queen moves. Wasp numbers will decrease as soon as the temperature begins to fall. A nest, on the other hand, has the potential to last all summer.
Important note: Wasp nests are unlikely to disappear on their own if they are not addressed and treated. Once a colony has been established, the worker wasps will defend their nest at all costs.
Where Do Wasps Build Their Nests?
As the best pest control service in Spokane, we feel that wasps can nest anywhere as long as the structure can support the weight of the nest. They prefer locations that are high up and away from predators.
They can nest anywhere if it provides a suitable breeding and feeding cycle for their colony and queen.
Wasps are commonly misunderstood to only nest high in trees. Wasps, on the other hand, have been observed nesting in the following locations:
- Garden sheds and playhouses for children
- Basements, lofts, and attics
- Roof linings and gutters
- Wall cracks, gaps, and fissures
- Don’t be surprised if you discover wasp nests in other places. Wasps, as previously stated, will build their nests wherever there is a safe and secure breeding ground for their colony.
- Look for nests in bushes, tree stumps, and even ground holes.
Wasps: How Long Do They Live?
The lifespan of a wasp varies depending on the species. Female social worker wasps have a lifespan of 12-22 days on average. Drones (males) live slightly longer, and queens can live for up to a year (as they hibernate).
When Do Wasps Die?
Fortunately, as the weather cools, the number of wasps and wasp activity will decrease. Wasp populations are expected to plummet near the end of September. There are several reasons for their population decline, including:
- The most common cause is cold weather, which kills males due to low temperatures and a lack of food.
- Nests become unusable – when summer comes to an end, wasp nests are evacuated and new nests are built the following summer.
- Queen wasps are left vulnerable – without the nest and workers, the queens are vulnerable to predators. Spiders frequently annihilate any remaining queens as summer draws to a close.
- Warm winters can fool queens into coming out in search of food if the temperature remains warm throughout the colder months. Usually, the queen dies of starvation as a result of this.
Is it common for wasps to return to the same nest?
When the wasp season is over, they abandon the nest and the queen goes into hibernation. This is not to say that wasps will not nest in the same area. Wasps prefer areas that offer shelter and seclusion from the elements, so don’t be surprised if they return to build a new nest in the same spot.
The queen will begin hatching worker wasps in the spring. She will spend the rest of her life laying eggs in the nest. As the wasp season winds down (early autumn), the queen will lay her final eggs, which will hatch into queens for the following year.
The Risks of Taking Down a Wasp Nest
While the nest itself is not dangerous, the wasp colony within can be, especially if you annoy or disturb the nest.
If you come into contact with a wasp nest and are stung, the venom contains a pheromone that alerts other wasps and causes them to become more aggressive.
While a single wasp sting isn’t particularly dangerous, being attacked by a swarm can be fatal. Because of the swelling and subsequent muscle constriction, stings to the face, chest, and neck are best avoided.
Important: If you have anaphylaxis, you should never attempt to remove a wasp nest. If you are stung by a wasp, you must seek medical attention right away. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Getting Rid of a Wasp Nest
There are several articles on the internet that discuss the best DIY techniques for removing wasp nests. These techniques, however, are not guaranteed to work, and you risk injuring yourself in the process.
Removing a wasp nest is a difficult and dangerous task, especially if you have no experience and are doing it alone. Wear protective clothing and research the safest methods if you plan to do your own removal.
What happens after wasp removal
We will leave a nest in its natural habitat once it has been safely removed. We do this for several reasons. The first is that wasps will not return to an old nesting site. Wasps may build a new nest if we remove the nest because they have previously built a nest in this location.
If any wasps try to live in a treated old nest, they will not be able to do so for long. Because of the repellents we use in our treatments, it is not uncommon for a treated nest to ward off and even kill other nests nearby. If the wasps enter an old, treated nest and then return to their new nest, they will almost certainly infect it.
Wasp Nest Elimination
Our wasp technicians at SPOKANE PEST CONTROL have the experience and tools to remove any wasp nest from any property. Our technicians have over 30 years of experience and regularly remove wasp nests.
Using a pest control service eliminates the risk to your health and safety while also ensuring quick and effective nest removal.