Wasps in the Spring & First Signs of Nests to Look Out

Having successfully overwintered, wasp queens are soon coming out of hibernation in the Spring to continue their life cycle.

Wasps in the Spring

New wasp queens had hibernated in late Autumn overwintered in various places such as in lofts above houses or inside outbuildings (in urban areas). Aspiring wasp queens (slightly bigger in size than wasp workers) emerge between March and April (depending on Scotland’s weather each year) and start hunting for other insect species and spiders, plus collecting sweet substances such as nectar and pollen from flowers and trees in blossom to feed on, gathering energy to lay first eggs in newly established nests.

Wasp Choice of Nesting Site

Wasp queens are most likely to construct new nests (aka bykes) near old (inactive) wasp nests, especially if they had been left untreated last year. There is little or no difference old wasp bykes have been left in place, they do not attract any more wasps. However, a presence of them, along with some other indicators such as food availability, shelter from the elements, ease of access and absence of natural predators in the area, may be some of the clues wasps follow when choosing locations to start new colonies.

Where to Look for New Wasp Nests

At this time of the wasp season (Spring), new wasp nests are most frequently discovered in garden huts, tool sheds, summer houses and other outbuildings. From the wasp point of view, air vents (air bricks) in walls of houses also provide easy access and secure location for nesting.

How to Recognize an Active Wasp Nest

At the very start, a new wasp nest is small, size and shape of a golf ball, with just one large wasp (the wasp queen) living in it. She lays there first bundle of eggs that hatch out in a couple of days. Now, while she continues laying more eggs, the queen wasp must fly in and out of her nest multiple times during daylight hours, gathering food for wasp larvae (aka wasp grubs). Having had spent first two weeks in larval stage, wasp juveniles enter 4-week pupation period and emerge as adult wasp workers to take over from the queen the tasks of enlarging the nest and supply of food. This is the time a new wasp nest becomes more visible.

What to Do if You Discover a Wasp Nest

We recommend you keep a safe distance from a suspected nest because wasps may become aggressive when approached. When threatened, wasps can sting you, other members of your family, your neighbours and even passers-byes. Now, you might wish for a professional wasp controller to attend asap.

Have Wasps Destroyed by Pest Control Expert

Our pest control technicians are ready to assist you immediately across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and Inverclyde seven days a week. Please feel free to phone 01294 689903 for more advice about wasps and to book safe & efficient wasp removal service for a fixed price of £39.