While you may still see some indoor pests like roaches, stinkbugs, and carpet beetles, you won’t see any live wasps during the winter, but why is that?
Unlike bees, wasps don’t store food for the winter, meaning that most adult wasps die of starvation by the time Late October/ November rolls around. Wasps and other flying insects are unable to fly at temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and will die off completely when the temperature dips below freezing. Just because you don’t see them in October or November, doesn’t mean they’re gone for good.
During the Fall, mated queen wasps will seek out a place to shelter and wait out the winter. Favored spots include protective spaces such as hollow logs, under bark, or in cracks in a building. They then enter a state known as diapause. During diapause, insects will slow their metabolism and activity, allowing them to survive through the winter without freezing or starving. When the weather warms, she will emerge, seek out a new nesting site, lay her eggs, and start a new colony.
What To Do With The Empty Nest
Because wasps never reuse the same nests and the queens overwinter elsewhere, there is very little risk of being stung if you remove unsightly wasp nests in the colder months. Here’s how to do it yourself:
Ensure the Nest Is Inactive
If you choose to remove the nest yourself, make sure the wasp nest is empty first. Never try to remove a nest without being 100% confident that it has been abandoned. An active nest will have wasps flying back and forth from the nest entrance. If you are unsure if there are still live wasps in the nest, observe the nest around dusk when wasps are likely to return home for the evening. If no wasps are sighted, it is safe to assume the nest is empty.
Exercise Good Ladder Safety
If the nest is located high on the eaves of your house, you may need a sturdy ladder or a long telescoping handle that can aid you in reaching the nest.
Use The Right Ladder
A proper ladder will be long enough to reach the necessary height without requiring you to step on the top rung or step. The duty rating of the ladder must exceed your weight including any objects you’re carrying or placing on the ladder.
Find a Safe Placement
Never place the ladder on slippery, uneven, or unstable surfaces. Do not place a ladder in front of closed doors that can open into the ladder.
Climb Carefully
Climb slowly without making sudden movements. Never climb a ladder if you feel tired, dizzy, faint, or during high winds or storms. Wear slip-resistant shoes if possible.
Use Three Points Of Contact
Work facing the ladder with at least three points of contact. The climber must have either two hands and one foot touching the ladder or two feet and one hand in contact with the ladder.
Use A Spotter
It’s always a good idea to enlist help if you need to climb a tall ladder to deal with a nest. A spotter can hold the ladder steady and assist you in your efforts.
Scrape The Nest Away
Using a long-handled, flat scraper (like a paint scraper or putty knife) is ideal for gently detaching the nest. Start scraping from the edges of the nest, rather than the center. Begin by sliding the scraper under the nest’s perimeter and work your way toward the center. This approach helps loosen it gradually, making it easier to remove without excessive force.
Avoid poking or jabbing directly at the nest, as this can create more mess or damage the surface underneath. Instead, keep the scraper steady and angled slightly upward, applying gentle pressure to lift the nest off bit by bit.
For any remaining residue, use a general cleaning solution or a pressure washer on a low setting, followed by a scrub with a stiff brush if needed. Once the nest is removed, you can simply discard it (or keep it if you’re into that sort of thing).
DIY Isn’t Always The Answer
Removing a wasp nest always involves some level of risk. If you find that your nest is still active, Do not try to treat it yourself particularly if it involves the use of a ladder. Contact Modern Pest Services for safe and professional wasp removal