Paper Wasps Can Stick Around During Winter: What You Need to Know

While many insects disappear with the arrival of cooler temperatures, paper wasps have a knack for lingering, even during the winter months in Southeast Alabama. Understanding their overwintering habits is crucial for homeowners looking to prevent springtime infestations.

Winter Survival Strategies:

Paper wasps, unlike some other wasp species, don’t form large overwintering colonies. Instead, fertilized queen wasps seek out sheltered locations to hibernate. These locations often include:  

• Attics and Wall Voids: The warm, dry environment of attics and wall voids provides ideal shelter.
• Sheds and Garages: Unheated outbuildings offer protection from the elements.
• Under Eaves and Siding: The sheltered areas around your home’s exterior can also attract overwintering queens.
• Inside Hollow Logs and Tree Stumps: If these are located near your home, they could be used as winter shelter.

During this period, the queen wasps enter a state of diapause, a form of dormancy. They remain inactive, relying on stored fat reserves to survive until warmer weather returns.  

Why This Matters to You:

The fact that paper wasps overwinter means that what you see in the fall, can lead to a much larger problem in the spring. Those seemingly dormant queens will emerge as temperatures rise, ready to build new nests and establish colonies. 

• Increased Springtime Activity: If you notice paper wasps around your home in the fall or winter, it’s a sign that you may have a higher risk of infestations in the spring.
• Nest Building: Overwintering queens will build new nests in sheltered locations around your property, such as under eaves, in porch ceilings, or in shrubs.
• Stinging Hazard: As the colony grows, the risk of stings increases, especially if nests are located near high-traffic areas.

Preventing Spring Infestations:

Taking proactive steps during the fall and winter can help prevent paper wasp problems in the spring.

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and crevices that could provide shelter for overwintering queens. Seal these openings with caulk or weather stripping.
• Remove Potential Nesting Sites: Clear away debris, such as fallen branches and old nests, that could provide nesting sites.
• Inspect Outbuildings: Check sheds, garages, and other outbuildings for signs of paper wasp activity. 
• Professional Inspection: If you notice a large amount of paper wasp activity, consider contacting Pest-Ex for a professional inspection. Our technicians can identify potential nesting sites and provide effective treatment options.

When Spring Arrives:

Once the weather warms, pay close attention to signs of paper wasp activity. If you spot new nests, it’s crucial to address them promptly. Contacting Pest-Ex early in the season can help prevent a full-blown infestation and ensure a safe, pest-free environment for your family.

By understanding the overwintering habits of paper wasps and taking preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of springtime infestations and enjoy a pest-free home.