How long do wasps live? Wasp Lifespan
How long can wasps live in your house?
You were wondering if a wasp that entered your home will disappear by itself? This is not likely. Researchers found that in captivity, wasps can live quite long. So if you want to get rid of wasps, you must take care of the wasp problem immediately!
Paper Wasp and Yellowjacket Wasp Life cycle
A paper wasp nest houses around 20 to 30 adult wasps once it has reached its matured stage. Only at the end of the summer will the queen stop producing eggs, and the colony will perish. A queen lives up to one year, and regular worker wasps live for an average of 3 to 4 months, depending on the wasp species and habitat.
A yellowjacket nest holds in peak times, typically between 2000 and 4000 worker wasps at a time, without considering the male wasps, called drones, and multiple queens!
Wasp populations usually peak in late summer or early autumn, as this is when most young wasps hatch. By winter, the population starts to decline as many wasps die off due to the cold weather. However, a few well-adapted species can survive the winter and will start the cycle again in spring.
Most species that make up the wasp family are solitary creatures. Only a few of the hundreds of different wasp species live in a society as bees do. For this reason, they are called social wasps, and among the wasp species, yellowjackets belong to this category. Some wasps are predators throughout the year and provide a significant service by killing many bothersome insects; others are only scavengers. Only when wasps threaten to sting people do they become a problem. Yellowjacket colonies may be controlled by extermination, but this process should only be done by a professional. Some people may be allergic to their stings and require immediate medical attention.
What do wasps feed on?
As social insects, wasps play an essential role in their ecosystems by preying on other insects and pollinating plants. Given their diverse diet, wasps can be found near a variety of food sources. While the adult wasp diet consists mainly of nectar and honeydew, they will also eat other insects, such as caterpillars and flies. The larvae, or baby wasps, are primarily fed on protein-rich insects. Wasps hunt for live prey or scavenge dead insects to feed their young. They are important pollinators and help spread pollen between flowers as they feed on nectar. This process helps to fertilize plants and enable them to reproduce. By eating pests that damage crops, wasps also help to protect agricultural plants. Overall, wasps are beneficial to both humans and the environment.
Prevention tips for a sting-free summer
If you find a few wasps buzzing around your garden or on your property, there’s a good chance there’s a nest nearby. Wasps, no matter which species they are, can be quite harmful if you don’t know how to deal with them. When their nests are disturbed, these insects become violent and will sting if you approach them. So please, avoid the risk of injuring yourself and let a professional company with long experience in these matters handle this for you!
In the meantime, here are a few tips on how you can wasp-proof your home and garden to make sure you’ll have a sting-free summer.
1. Keep food and drinks covered
One of the main reasons wasps come near humans is because they’re attracted to food. So if you’re having a picnic or barbecue, make sure all your food and drinks are properly covered. Wasps are especially fond of sugary drinks, so keep them well out of reach.
2. Be aware of wasp hotspots
There are certain times and places where wasps are more likely to be found. In the late summer, wasps will be attracted to overripe fruit, so be careful when handling any fallen fruit on the ground. In the autumn, wasps will be looking for a place to build their nests for next year, so be extra cautious when disturbing areas of your home or garden that may be wasp hotspots.
3. Wear protective clothing
If you’re going to be working in the garden or doing any outdoor activities where wasps might be present, it’s best to wear protective clothing. This includes long sleeves and trousers, as well as closed-toe shoes. If you’re really worried about wasps, you can also buy special wasp-proof clothing from some outdoor retailers.
4. Keep wasp sprays on hand
If you do get unlucky and get stung by a wasp, it’s important to have a wasp spray on hand to neutralize the sting. You can buy wasp sprays from most supermarkets and pharmacies.
5. Be careful with wasp nests
If you find a wasp nest, the best option is to leave it alone and hire a professional wildlife removal company to take care of it. Trying to remove a wasp nest yourself is incredibly dangerous and is not recommended.
Threats to the Longevity of a Wasp
Even though they are predators themselves, they are far from the top of the food chain. Wasps face a lot of natural dangers from a wide range of animals that regularly consume them. They fall prey to insects like dragonflies and spiders, birds such as sparrows, mockingbirds, and starlings. Rodents like mice, lizards, weasel badgers, and bears all love eating wasps.
Notice a Wasp Nest? Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Company To Help You Today!
Where Do Wasps Build Nests?
Wasps build nests in a wide variety of places. If they find a safe and secure breeding ground for their colony, they will probably seize the chance!
Common spots for wasp nests are:
- On trees and in bushes around your garden
- Holes in the ground or holes in the walls of your house, close to rain gutters
- On the roof, attic, or in basements and the garage
- Garden sheds or playhouses for children
- Holes in the ground and tree stumps
And remember that if you have wasps nesting on your property, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Wasps can be dangerous, especially if someone in your family is allergic to their sting. Contact a professional pest control company who will be able to safely remove the nest and get rid of the wasps for good.
