Friday FAQ: Wasp Season Is Here – What You Need to Know About Overwintering
As we transition from late summer to fall, you may have noticed a spike in wasp activity around your home. This time of year, wasps aren’t just buzzing around—they're preparing for the colder months ahead through a process called overwintering. Overwintering plays a critical role in their life cycle, and understanding what’s happening now can help you protect your home before they settle in for the winter.
Why Wasps Are So Active Right Now
Late summer and early fall mark the peak of wasp season, and their behavior becomes much more aggressive during this time. The colonies have grown large, and their natural food sources are starting to dwindle. As a result, wasps are on the lookout for sugary foods and proteins to support their colony. You’ll likely see more wasps at outdoor events, near garbage cans, or around food sources.
But wasps aren’t just foraging for food; they’re also preparing for the colder months. As winter approaches, the existing colonies begin to die off, but the new queens are on the hunt for a place to hibernate, or overwinter.
What Is Overwintering?
Overwintering is a survival strategy wasps use to endure the cold winter months. While most wasps won’t survive the frost, the queens enter a dormant state and find a sheltered place to ride out the cold. These spots could include tree bark, crevices in outdoor structures, or even inside your home. The queens will hide until spring, at which point they’ll emerge, start new colonies, and the cycle continues.
Why Overwintering Matters Now
While wasps may not be as much of a problem during the winter itself, the months leading up to it are crucial. Right now, queens are actively looking for safe, warm places to hibernate. Unfortunately, that could mean your attic, garage, or within the walls of your home. Once inside, they’ll be ready to start new colonies once warmer weather returns.
The risk here is twofold:
Potential Infestation in Spring: If a queen successfully overwinters inside your home, you could be facing a new colony right under your roof once spring hits.
Aggressive Fall Behavior: As wasps prepare for winter, their behavior becomes more aggressive. They’ll defend their nests and food sources with increased intensity, leading to more frequent stings for those who get too close.
How to Prevent Overwintering Wasps from Nesting in Your Home
Given how active wasps are right now, it’s important to take preventative steps before they find a way into your home. Here’s how you can minimize the risk:
Seal Entry Points: Walk around your home and inspect for cracks, gaps, or small holes in your walls, windows, and roofline. Even the smallest openings can be an entryway for a queen looking to overwinter.
Remove Nests Early: If you spot a wasp nest on your property, have it professionally removed. This helps stop wasps from building close to your home and prevents them from finding their way inside as the weather cools down.
Limit Outdoor Food Sources: Wasps are drawn to sugary and protein-rich foods. Make sure to cover any food at outdoor gatherings, and keep trash bins sealed tightly.
Check Attics and Sheds: Queens often seek out warm, protected spaces like attics, basements, or sheds to overwinter. Inspect these areas for signs of wasp activity, and ensure they are well-sealed to keep them out.
Install Screens: If your home has vents or chimneys, be sure they are covered with mesh screens to prevent wasps from entering.
Why You Should Act Now
Wasp season is at its peak, and their search for a winter home is in full swing. By taking steps now to prevent overwintering, you’ll save yourself the hassle of dealing with aggressive wasps in the fall and potential infestations come spring.
If you’re already noticing increased wasp activity around your property, it’s time to call in the professionals. Paragon Pest Control offers thorough inspections and safe, effective wasp removal services. We’ll help you identify problem areas, seal off entry points, and remove any existing nests before they become a bigger issue.
Conclusion
As fall approaches and wasps prepare for winter, now is the time to take action. Overwintering queens can create major headaches down the line if they find shelter in your home. Preventive measures like sealing entry points and removing nests are key to keeping your space wasp-free through the colder months and into spring.
If you’re dealing with wasps or want to ensure your home is safe from overwintering pests, contact Paragon Pest Control today. Call us at (972) 435-9797 or visit paragonpestdfw.com to schedule an inspection.
Byline:
Paragon Pest Control – Protecting Your Home from Pests All Year Long
Categories:
Pest Control, Wildlife Wednesdays, Wasp Season
Tags:
Overwintering, Wasp Removal, Fall Pest Control, Paragon Pest Control, DFW Pest Control