Wasps are fascinating creatures that play an important role in ecosystems by pollinating flowers they visit and predating on garden pests like caterpillars and other insects, but they can also be a nuisance when they build nests in close proximity to human habitation.
In this blog post, we will explore the lifecycle and behaviour of wasps, learn about the different common species, and discover how to determine if you have a wasp nest on your property. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to decide to choose whether to coexist peacefully with these creatures or take appropriate action when necessary.
The Lifecycle of Wasps
The most common wasps found in the UK.
In the UK the two most common types of wasps found are:
1. Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris):
As its name suggests, this wasp is one of the most frequently encountered. It has distinctive yellow and black markings, with a black anchor-shaped mark on its face. This species is often found near human habitation scavenging for food and will build their nests in wall cavities of homes, under roof tiles, in soffits and fascias, and in sheds. They can also be found nesting in gardens, meadows and parks.
2. German wasp (Vespula germanica):
Another commonly seen wasp in the UK that closely resembles the common wasp, but has three black dots on its face instead of an anchor-shaped mark. They are very slightly bigger than the common wasp and tend to prefer to nest in the ground and will use abandoned mammal nests. But these wasps will also nest in a wide range of habitats similar to the common wasp.
The beginning of the lifecycle and behaviour of wasps
From around March-April, the Queen wasps that mated during the previous Autumn are coming out of hibernation from places like loft spaces, ready to start searching for nectar to drink and a suitable place to begin building a nest and start by laying 6-8 eggs. The queen will attend to and feed the larvae until the sterile female workers hatch. The workers then take over attending to the larvae and the queen focuses on laying eggs.
How can I tell if it’s a Queen wasp or a worker wasp?
It is difficult to tell queen wasps apart from the workers as they have no distinguishing markings, only that they are slightly longer and larger in size. Queen wasps are mostly solitary and are between 2-2.5cms in length and have a more pointed end on their abdomen. Female worker wasps are between 1.2-1.7cms long.
How many wasps are in a wasp nest?
Depending on the species, on average a queen wasp Vespula vulgaris will lay 10,000 workers, 1,000 queens and 1,000 males and prefer soffits, fascias and extractor ventilation pipes, under roof tiles etc. Vespula germanica queens produce slightly less numbers of queens, workers and males in comparison and are more inclined to nest in the ground.
Do wasps sting?
All female wasps have the ability to sting, the males do not. This is not very helpful to know when one appears flying at speed in your direction! Generally, a wasp sting is slightly painful depending on exactly where you have been stung and the sting site will get warm and itchy and be uncomfortable for around 24 hours after. Taking an anti-histamine can help relieve this, but please read the label first before use. Of course, there are also cases when people can be severely allergic to wasp stings which can make encounters with wasps particularly worrying and scary. Wasps can be aggressive if disturbed or they see you as a threat to their nest and will sting more readily than say a European hornet, Honey bee or Bumble bee. When a wasp stings it releases a chemical called a pheromone, which alerts other wasps that something is wrong and the nest is under attack.
When will the wasp nest be finished or naturally die off?
This question is difficult to define and will very much be down to the location of the nest and the weather conditions, including temperatures. A small number of wasp nests can still be active as late as November-December some years if the winter temperatures are mild and a food source is still available. Usually though, it is around September-October and once all of the larvae have emerged, the female worker wasps become jobless as the larvae have become pupae and are no longer producing sugary secretions for them to feed on. This change in food availability can lead to increased encounters between wasps and humans in search of alternative sweet and sugary food sources.
Detecting wasp nests on your property
Identifying a wasp nest early can help you take necessary precautions or seek professional assistance if required. Here are some signs that indicate the presence of a wasp nest:
1. Increased Wasp Activity: If you notice a sudden surge in wasp activity around your property, particularly near eaves, rooflines, or garden areas, it may indicate the presence of a nest nearby. If you are only seeing the odd one or two in the spring, it may be a queen wasp. Wasps hanging around a tree or bush during the summer months may mean they are foraging for insects or tree sap. In this case, the nest will not be there and possibly not even on your property at all as wasps will travel a good distance.
2. Audible Buzzing: The buzzing sound of wasps flying around a nest is often audible if you are in close proximity. Listen for increased buzzing near potential nesting sites, but be cautious as they may be in the ground.
3. Visual Nest Sightings: Wasp nests are commonly found in hard to reach areas, such as attics, sheds, trees, and bushes. The nests themselves are pale in colour and papery in appearance. Often it is difficult to establish where the nest is located. One giveaway sign is seeing wasps regularly going in and out of a crack or crevice during the daytime.
Managing Wasp Nests
When it comes to wasp nests on your property, it's crucial to prioritise safety. If you discover a nest, consider the following options:
1. Professional Pest Control: If the wasp nest poses a threat or is in a challenging location, it is best to contact a professional pest control service, like ourselves. They will have the expertise and equipment to safely remove or treat the nest.
2. DIY Removal: If you decide to remove a small nest yourself, take precautions by wearing protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, gloves, and a veil or face mask. Use commercially available wasp sprays or dusts specifically designed for nest removal, following the instructions carefully.
3. Prevention Measures: To deter wasps from nesting on your property, keep outdoor rubbish bins tightly sealed. Late autumn is a good time to repair any cracks or crevices around your home and seal up any noticeable entry points to prevent wasps and bees from nesting in them next year. Additionally, consider planting insect-repelling herbs such as mint or citronella to discourage wasps from approaching.
Conclusion
By having some understanding of the wasp lifecycle, getting to know their preferred habitats and the ability to identify the presence of wasp nests on your property, can greatly contribute to effective management. Armed with this knowledge, you will be better prepared and ready to take proactive steps that may help keep your home or business safe for others, promoting better relations between humans and these beneficial, albeit occasionally bothersome, insects. However, if you need help with a wasp nest removal, then we recommend this is carried out sooner, rather than later in the year.