Wasps are valuable insects and are needed in nature. They eat, among other things, harmful insects and can help with pollination. But they can also sting, which is less pleasant. For those who are hypersensitive, it may even require medication and care.
Some years have more wasps than others – and it depends on several things.
If there have been many wasps one year, it can become fewer the year after. We believe it is because there has been tough competition for nesting sites, says Didrik Vanhoenacker, biologist on duty at the Natural History Museum.
Only Queens Survive
But the most important factor is the weather, especially during the period when the queens are to build their nests.
This year, it has been a very dry May, and it benefits the single mothers who are to establish their societies, he says.
It is only newly mated queens that survive the winter. All workers, males, and old queens die before winter.
The future queens will build up entirely new societies, and then, when the first round of larvae has become workers, the single mother can relax a bit as a queen, says Vanhoenacker>
If it is too cold and rainy, it becomes difficult for eggs and larvae to survive – and difficult for the queen to find food for her larvae. Even cold nights during the spring can cause the queens to die before they have managed to build their nests. The result is then fewer wasps during the summer.
Expert May Be Needed
Those who find a wasp nest now at the beginning of the season, and who believe it will be a nuisance, should take action now when there is only a queen and eggs or larvae on site.
It is easier than later in the summer, when the nests can be large and full of worker wasps.
But if the nest is hanging on a wind where you are never so, it may be allowed to stay. If you have a very large nest with a lot of activity, it may be good to contact an expert to get help, says Vanhoenacker.
With a few simple measures, it is possible to reduce the risk of wasps building nests in the house:
Seal off branch holes and other smaller entry points to the house.
Put insect nets for ventilation grilles.
An old wasp nest may indicate that the site is good, so even if the wasps do not come back to just that nest, it is good to inspect if there are holes that should be sealed off.
If you need to remove a nest, do it as early in the season as possible. Remove it in the evening when the wasps are sluggish. Wear protective clothing, hat, and gloves.
Source: Anticimex
