Wasps are insects known for their ability to sting. This article explores whether wasps are active at night and how to safely manage interactions.
Typical Wasp Activity Patterns
Most common wasp species, such as yellowjackets and paper wasps, are primarily active during the day. These social wasps spend daylight hours foraging for food, including nectar, fallen fruit, sugary substances, and other insects. They also build and maintain their nests. Their compound eyes are well-suited for detecting movement and patterns in bright light, aiding their foraging and navigation.
Once the sun sets, most diurnal wasps return to their nests. They become inactive during the night. While wasps do not sleep like mammals, they enter a period of rest within their nests. They remain alert to potential threats even during these inactive periods.
When Wasps Are Active After Dark
While most wasps are diurnal, certain species and circumstances can lead to nocturnal activity. European hornets (Vespa crabro) are a notable exception, active at dusk and throughout the night. These hornets may forage for insects like grasshoppers and other prey. They are also strongly attracted to artificial lights, such as porch lights or indoor lights shining through windows, and may fly towards these sources.
Beyond specific species like the European hornet, normally diurnal wasps can exhibit nighttime activity if their nest is disturbed. If a nest is agitated by light or physical contact after dark, wasps may emerge and become aggressive. Some social wasps, like paper wasps and yellowjackets, might also build nests at night, especially when establishing new ones or in areas with high daytime human activity. Some solitary parasitic wasps are also active at night, hunting moths.
Safe Practices Around Wasps at Night
If you encounter wasps or hornets at night, maintain a safe distance. Avoid disturbing any nests, as wasps are territorial and will defend their colony, even after dark.
Be cautious around outdoor lights, as some wasp species, especially European hornets, are drawn to them. If you notice wasps around lights, move away slowly and avoid swatting at them, as this can provoke an attack. To help prevent attracting wasps, secure food and drinks outdoors, and ensure that entry points to your home, such as gaps in walls or screens, are sealed.