Paper wasps are a common type of social wasp known for their distinctive nests. These insects typically measure between 5/8 to 3/4 of an inch in length and often display patterns of yellow, brown, or red on a black body. Paper wasps live in colonies that include a queen, workers, and males, working together to build and maintain their nests.
Daytime Habits
During daylight hours, paper wasps are highly active, primarily engaging in foraging and nest construction. They collect wood fibers from dead trees, fence posts, or unpainted lumber, mixing these with saliva to create a paper-like pulp for building their characteristic umbrella-shaped nests. These nests, which can contain over 100 wasps as the season progresses, are commonly found hanging from porches, light fixtures, or building eaves. Worker wasps continuously enlarge the nest with additional comb and paper layers to accommodate the growing colony.
They also forage for food, including nectar, pollen, and other insects like caterpillars. Their activity levels are closely tied to temperature, with peak activity occurring during warm weather, typically between 68°F and 86°F. The warmth provides the necessary energy for flight and other essential tasks, making the middle of the day their busiest period.
Nighttime Behavior
Paper wasps are not active at night; they are diurnal insects. As dusk approaches and temperatures cool, wasps typically return to their nests to rest and remain dormant until daylight. While they do not sleep in the same manner as mammals, they enter periods of reduced activity or torpor. During this time, they may appear motionless or less active, though they remain alert to potential threats.
Their limited vision in low light conditions contributes significantly to their inactivity. Wasps possess compound eyes well-adapted for detecting movement and patterns during the day, but their ability to see in the dark is limited. This reliance on daylight for navigation means they typically seek out secure locations within their nests to remain undisturbed. Inside the nest, they may perform duties such as caring for larvae or making minor repairs, but extensive outdoor activity ceases.
Factors Influencing Activity
While inactive at night, certain external factors can cause paper wasps to deviate from dormancy. Artificial light sources, such as porch lights, can attract wasps, leading to observations of them flying around at night. Although not as strongly drawn to light as some nocturnal insects like moths, wasps can still be pulled towards it, especially if it’s associated with a potential food source or warmth. Light may also aid navigation, though this can sometimes lead to them colliding with surfaces.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can also influence their activity. While paper wasps are most active in warm conditions, very hot temperatures above 86°F can cause them to seek shade and water to avoid overheating, potentially reducing their activity. Conversely, if temperatures drop significantly, wasps become sluggish and less likely to fly. Disturbances to the nest, even at night, can provoke a defensive response, though they may react more slowly than during the day.