Where Do Wasps Go in the Winter? Tips for Homeowners

Posted by Matthew Rathbone on January 23, 2023 · 3 mins read

As the temperatures drop and we start spending more time indoors, we may forget about the wasps buzzing around our backyards during the warmer months. But have you ever wondered where do wasps go in the winter? In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of wasp hibernation and give homeowners tips on how to prepare for their return in the spring.

DIY Wasp removal recommendations

For non-aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For a nest up high in an eave, soffit, or tree, this Gotcha pole adapter clamps onto the can so you can spray from the end of an extension pole and treat the nest from 10+ feet away instead of standing right under it. And for anything aggressive I wear this ridiculous-looking upper torso beekeeping suit and keep my distance. It seems silly, but trust me, I learned the hard way.

Understanding Wasp Hibernation

Unlike bees, which live in large hives and can survive the cold winter months by clustering together for warmth, most wasps are solitary creatures that will not survive the freezing temperatures of winter. Instead, they enter a state of hibernation known as diapause. During diapause, wasps become inactive and their metabolic rate slows down, allowing them to conserve energy. They also seek out sheltered areas such as under tree bark or in cracks and crevices, where they will remain until the warmer weather returns.

How to Prepare Your Home for Wasp Season

Now that you know where wasps go in the winter, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your home for their return in the spring. Here are some tips for keeping wasps at bay:

  • Seal up any cracks and crevices around your home, including gaps around windows and doors. This will make it harder for wasps to find entry points into your home.
  • Keep your garbage cans tightly sealed and dispose of any food scraps promptly. Wasps are attracted to the sweet smells of rotting fruit and other food waste.
  • Trim back any overgrown bushes or shrubs near your home. Wasps love to build their nests in protected areas such as these.
  • If you do spot a wasp nest on your property, call a professional to remove it. Attempting to remove a wasp nest yourself can be dangerous, as wasps can become aggressive when threatened.

By taking these simple steps, you can help keep wasps away from your home and enjoy a pest-free summer.

Conclusion

While wasps may seem like a nuisance during the warmer months, they play an important role in pollinating plants and controlling other pests. By understanding where wasps go in the winter and how to prepare your home for their return in the spring, you can coexist with these fascinating insects in harmony.

For a complete overview of wasp species found across North America, see our Wasp Identification: Complete Homeowner Guide.

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