Wasps are a common sight during the warmer months in the UK, and their nests can be found in various places, from lofts to trees. If you’ve discovered a wasp nest near your home or workplace, you may be wondering how long it will last and when it will become inactive.
The short answer is: All the wasps will be gone before winter and the physical nest will be redundant from that point on.
Now, let’s dive into the details…
Lifecycle of a Wasp Nest
Wasps, particularly social species like the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) and the German wasp (Vespula germanica), follow a distinct lifecycle that dictates the duration of their nests. The lifespan of a wasp nest is typically aligned with the seasonal activity of the colony, which usually lasts from spring through to late autumn.
- Spring – Establishment Phase: In early spring, a fertilised queen emerges from hibernation to start a new nest. She lays the first batch of eggs and cares for the larvae until they develop into workers. During this phase, the nest is tiny, housing only the queen and her first offspring.
- Summer – Growth Phase: As the number of worker wasps increase, the nest-building increases, and the nest area rapidly grows. A nest can grow to house thousands of wasps by late summer. This is when wasp activity peaks, and nests can reach their maximum size.
- Autumn – Decline Phase: Once the queen stops laying eggs in late summer or early autumn, the wasp population begins to decline. As the workers gradually die off, the nest stops increasing in physical size. By the time the cold weather sets in, any remaining wasps in the nest perish, and the nest becomes inactive.
Will a Wasp Nest Last Through Winter?
No, most wasp nests do not survive the winter. Once the temperature drops, the queen and workers die off, and the nest becomes dormant. However, new queens, having mated in the autumn, hibernate and may create new nests the following spring, though they won’t return to old ones. New queens do not normally hibernate in the old nest. Instead they like to find shelter somewhere warm like a shed or an attic. The abandoned wasp nest will not reused the following year by the queens who survive the winter.
How to Know If a Wasp Nest is Still Active
There are several signs to determine if a nest is still active:
- Visible wasp activity: If you see wasps flying to and from the nest, it is likely still in use.
- Audible buzzing: A faint buzzing sound from inside the nest is another indicator of activity.
- Presence of new wasp nests: If you notice a smaller, growing nest next to an old one, it could mean that a new queen is starting her own colony nearby.
If you suspect a wasp nest is inactive, it’s important not to disturb it immediately, as nests can still have a few lingering wasps late into autumn. It’s always best to consult with a professional pest control service like Merlin Environmental Solutions to ensure safe removal.
Should You Remove an Inactive Wasp Nest?
While old wasp nests won’t be reused by future colonies, you may want to have them removed for aesthetic or safety reasons. They can also become home to other pests. Professional pest control services can safely remove old nests to prevent any unwanted issues.
Should You Remove an Active Wasp Nest?
While we don’t advise you remove an active wasp nest due to the risk of getting stung, you may decide to ignore our recommendation and give it a go, in which case you should read our guide on how to remove a wasp nest without getting stung.
