I am sure that many readers have experienced the disturbing experience of seeing a wasp in the dead of winter in some of the most unexpected places. Perhaps you have seen one on a curtain, on your bed or even sitting next to you while watching your favorite TV show on your favorite couch. Why are wasps appearing during the dead of winter when temperatures outside are well below freezing? That is a good question, and here’s the answer.
A wasp colony only has a few individuals that will survive the winter months in Indiana. For the most part only the fertile females will have the ability to survive cold temperatures that winter has in store. Those females can produce glycerol which is a type of antifreeze that helps them slow down their metabolism therefore conserving energy. When Spring comes, they will be ready to build nests and lay eggs, starting a new life cycle. Female wasps that are seen inside the home on cold winter days normally are very sluggish and lazy, but do not be fooled! Wasps still can sting even when sluggish.
Where do winter wasps come from? Normally wasps enter structures in the Fall of the year to over winter in attics, walls, under siding or brick and in voids around doors and windows. As slight temperature changes occur, wasps start coming out of a semidormant state and start searching out heat and food sources. Once the wasp comes out of dormancy, it must eat and get moisture. Areas that would be suspect that would allow entrance into the living area of the home would be around canned ceiling lights, around loose-fitting electrical boxes, or through bathroom vents or kitchen hood vents. Without a food and water supply, the wasps cannot survive; but until death occurs, they can cause a painful sting ~ so be aware.
How do you prevent a winter wasp sighting in your home? Seal all openings that will allow wasps to enter the living area of the home. And better yet, sealing outside openings will be a more permanent solution to wasps entering the home in the Fall.