The lifecycle of a wasp nest typically follows a seasonal pattern. In Delta and similar regions with temperate climates, wasp nests often start to decline in the late summer and fall. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, the production of new workers decreases, and the focus shifts to producing new queens and males for the next generation.
By late summer or early fall, the worker wasps are no longer bringing in as much food, and the activity around the nest diminishes. As winter approaches, the colony declines further, and the workers, males, and old queens die off. The newly mated queens seek shelter to hibernate through the winter. By the time winter is in full swing, the wasp colony is effectively “dead” as the workers and males have died, and the queens are in hibernation. The old nest is usually abandoned, and you are less likely to encounter active wasp nests during the winter months.
It’s important to note that the timing can vary depending on the specific species of wasp and local environmental conditions. If you’re dealing with a wasp nest on your property, it’s generally safer to address it in the early spring or late fall when the colony is less active. It’s worth noting that wasp colonies are seasonal, and the lifespan of individual wasps within the colony is relatively short. However, the colony as a whole may persist for a few months, depending on environmental conditions and available food sources.