Many wonder about the resting habits of wasps. While the concept of “sleep” in insects differs from that in humans, wasps do experience periods of inactivity crucial for their well-being.
Do Wasps Really Sleep?
Wasps do not sleep in the same way mammals do, which involves complex brain activity patterns like REM sleep. Insects lack the centralized nervous system that regulates sleep cycles in larger animals.
Instead, wasps enter a state of reduced activity, often referred to as torpor or a resting state. This state is characterized by decreased movement, lowered responsiveness to external stimuli, and a reduction in metabolic rate.
This period of inactivity is important for an insect’s cognitive function and overall health. During colder months, queen wasps enter a deeper, prolonged state of dormancy known as diapause. This allows them to survive harsh conditions by significantly slowing their bodily systems and metabolism.
How and Where Wasps Rest
Wasps are primarily active during the day, with their peak activity occurring in warmer hours. As light fades and temperatures drop, they become less active and seek places to rest.
Social wasps typically return to their nests at night. Within the nest, worker wasps may cluster together, which helps conserve heat and contributes to their resting state.
Solitary wasps, on the other hand, might be found resting individually on leaves or stems. Some species, like certain thread-waisted wasps, can even grip a twig with their jaws and remain motionless in an unusual posture.
Queen wasps in diapause seek sheltered locations. These include crevices, under bark, or within human-made structures like attics and wall cracks.
Encountering Resting Wasps
While wasps are generally less active at night, especially common species, it is still advisable to exercise caution around them. They can appear sluggish or motionless, but they remain capable of stinging if disturbed or threatened.
European hornets are an exception among wasps, as they can be active and fly at night.
If you encounter a resting wasp, moving slowly and avoiding sudden movements can help prevent provocation. It is important not to swat at them, as this can trigger a defensive reaction.
Disturbing a wasp nest, even at night when wasps are less active, can still lead to stings, as the colony will defend its home. For any wasp nest removal, it is always recommended to contact a professional pest control service for safety.