They come in swarms, their stings can be painful, and they seem to hold a grudge; it's entirely fair if you want to avoid going anywhere near a wasp's nest. While it would be convenient and ideal if leaving the nest alone meant the problem went away, unfortunately, it's unlikely to happen.
So, what are the consequences of leaving a wasp nest? And is there a most effective time to remove it? We've outlined it all for you below.
Is it Safe to Leave a Wasp Nest Alone?
Unfortunately, the simple answer is no. In almost all cases, the best course of action is to get rid of the wasp nest. Among many other reasons is that even when active wasp nests appear to die off in their own time, it's usually just that the queen has gone into hibernation and will be back to resurrect the nest the next time spring comes around.
While it's well-known that wasps can sting humans multiple times in a single attack and throughout their lifetime, a lesser-known danger they possess is one to your garden. Some species have been known to gnaw at plants and strip away bark - not something you want to leave on its own.
Will a Wasp Nest Die Out if I Leave It?
To fully understand our answer, we'll need to delve into the lifecycle of a wasp nest and colony. While they might not be as bad as the reputation they've earned for themselves, one thing is for sure: they will likely come back with a vengeance.
So, an active wasp nest generally lasts anywhere between three and four months. It might appear to die off after this time if left to its own devices, but that's not strictly true. Generally, the nest is built in spring, grows, and is fully active in summer, the worker wasps hibernate in autumn, and the queen follows suit in winter.
While predators can kill them off during hibernation, if they avoid that fate, the queens will restart the entire process as the seasons change in the following year. So, no, a wasp nest will not die out if you leave it. Your best bet is to get hold of some insect control products, such as the Insecto Wasp Nest Destroyer.
When To Remove a Wasps Nest
Once you've established the best way to get rid of the wasp nest, consider these indicators for the best time to make a move.
It's Impacting Your Property
While most wasps are not inherently dangerous to the environment around them (and, in many cases, are beneficial to their surroundings and the general ecosystem), some can be particularly brutal.
For example, certain species will strip away bark from trees to use in their nests, and giant hornets especially have been known to gnaw and destroy perennial plants.
In these instances, it would be best to remove the nest.
Allergies
If you've ever been stung by a wasp as a child or an adult, you'll know it is far from a pleasant experience. But for those unlucky folks allergic to wasp stings, it can be much more severe than a simple sting; it can lead to anaphylactic shock and - in the most severe cases - death. For this reason, it is essential to remove any nests if you live with someone who is allergic.
Phobias
Given the aggressive nature of wasps and the pain of the sting itself, it’s reasonable to have a phobia of wasps. If this is the case for you or anyone you live with, getting rid of the nest is surely the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Wasps Come Back to Their Nest?
While it may not be the exact same wasps that return, it is possible (and probable) that dormant wasp nests are resurrected by the queen in spring, when she will again lay the eggs that will eventually become the worker wasps.
Should I Remove a Wasp Nest?
In almost all cases, it is better to remove a wasp nest if it is causing concern for your home or farm. The risk of stings, dangers to your garden, and the general aggravation they bring makes them fairly unpleasant to live with.
Where Do Wasps Go When Nest Is Destroyed?
If the queen has not been killed when destroying the nest, she will find another location to start a new nest, and any remaining worker wasps will follow suit. If she has not survived, however, the remaining wasps will attempt to be accepted into another colony.
However, this rarely has a high success rate, and many will die without a queen and nest.
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If you find yourself with a wasp problem near your home or farm, visit Dalton Engineering. With a range of pest and insect control products, you're guaranteed to find a solution that works for you and your property.