Wasps are a familiar sight during warmer months, often buzzing around gardens and outdoor activities. As the seasons change and cooler weather arrives, these insects seem to vanish, prompting many to wonder about their whereabouts during the colder parts of the year. Their seasonal disappearance is a natural part of their annual life cycle, which involves a distinct transition for different members of the colony.
The Colony’s Winter Demise
For most social wasp species, winter signals the end of the colony. Most of the wasp population, including worker wasps, male wasps, and the old queen, do not survive dropping temperatures. These individuals perish as food becomes scarce and cold intensifies, often succumbing to starvation or inability to fly below 50-60°F (10-15°C).
The existing nest, constructed from chewed wood pulp, is abandoned and falls into disrepair. Wasps do not reuse old nests in subsequent years; the structure serves its purpose for only one season. This annual cycle ensures that the colony’s resources are dedicated to raising a new generation.
The Queen’s Winter Survival Strategy
The continuity of the wasp species hinges on the survival of newly fertilized queens. These young queens are the sole members of the colony that endure the winter, preparing by accumulating fat reserves. They enter a specialized dormant state known as diapause, with reduced metabolic activity and suspended development. This allows them to conserve energy and survive for months without food or water.
To withstand the cold and evade predators, these overwintering queens seek out sheltered and insulated locations. Common hiding spots include protected crevices in tree bark, rotting logs, or soft soil. They also frequently find refuge in human structures like attics, wall cavities, sheds, or garages. Even with these survival mechanisms, only a small percentage of new queens successfully emerge from diapause in the spring.
Emergence and the New Cycle
As winter recedes and temperatures consistently rise, typically reaching around 50°F (10°C), the overwintering queen emerges from dormancy. Her primary objective is to locate a suitable site for a new colony. She will not return to the old nest, instead seeking a fresh, protected location.
The queen begins the arduous process of constructing a small, initial nest using chewed wood fibers mixed with her saliva. She then lays her first batch of eggs in this nascent structure. These first offspring develop into worker wasps, taking over the tasks of foraging, nest expansion, and caring for subsequent generations. This allows the queen to focus solely on laying eggs and perpetuating the colony’s growth.