Wasps are common insects often seen flying around gardens and outdoor spaces. While some construct visible nests hanging from eaves or branches, many wonder if certain types establish colonies beneath the ground. Understanding their nesting habits helps identify their presence.
The Reality of Underground Wasps
Certain types of wasps build nests underground. This strategy offers several advantages for a developing colony. Building a nest below the surface provides protection from predators.
Underground nests also offer a stable environment, shielding the colony from adverse weather conditions like heavy rains or extreme temperatures. The soil acts as an insulator, maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity within the nest. This supports the successful development of wasp larvae and contributes to colony survival and growth.
Key Underground Nesting Species
Social wasps, particularly Yellowjackets, frequently build underground nests. Examples include the Eastern, Western, and German Yellowjackets. These wasps are recognizable by their black and yellow markings and stout bodies.
These social species form large colonies, sometimes housing thousands of wasps within their subterranean structures. While Yellowjackets are the primary underground nesters, other species, such as the European Hornet, occasionally utilize existing ground cavities or tree root systems for nesting. Solitary digger wasps also create burrows for their individual offspring, though these are not communal nests like those of social wasps.
Recognizing Underground Nests
Identifying an underground wasp nest involves observing wasp behavior, not the nest structure itself. The most common sign is a single, inconspicuous opening in the ground, about an inch in diameter. This entrance might be found in lawns, gardens, under shrubs, near tree roots, or in old rodent burrows.
A consistent stream of wasps flying in and out of this opening indicates an active nest below. This activity is most noticeable during peak daylight hours when the wasps are foraging. Observing from a safe distance, several yards away, allows for identification without disturbing the colony.
Approaching Underground Nests
Safety is important when an underground wasp nest is discovered. Avoid disturbing the nest, as social wasps, particularly Yellowjackets, can become aggressive when they perceive a threat. Attempting to remove the nest yourself is discouraged due to the risk of multiple stings.
Contacting professional pest control services is recommended for safe and effective removal. These professionals have the equipment and expertise to handle wasp nests without endangering individuals or pets. Taking preventative measures, such as sealing cracks in foundations and removing debris, can also help make an area less appealing to nesting wasps.