Wasps are fascinating but often annoying insects. While they play an important role in the ecosystem, they can also cause a great deal of nuisance when they build nests in or around homes. In this article, we will discuss the life of wasps, their nests and why it is important to seek professional help if you are dealing with a wasp nest in your home.
Different types of Wasps
Several species of wasp occur in the Netherlands, each with its own characteristics and living habits. From the common common wasp to the impressive hornet, each species plays a unique role in our ecosystem. These wasps can differ in size, nesting behavior, and their interaction with humans, making them interesting but sometimes challenging insects to have around.
Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
The common wasp is the most common species of wasp in the Netherlands. They have a yellow-black markings and often build their nests underground, in cavity walls or in sheltered places such as barns. They are especially active in late summer, when they are often seen feeding on sweet foods and drinks.
German Wasp (Vespula germanica)
The German wasp is very similar to the common wasp, but has a slightly more aggressive nature. It also builds its nest in similar places, such as underground or in sheltered areas. The main distinction is found in the markings on the wasp’s face: the German wasp often has three black dots on its head.
Hornet (Vespa crabro)
The hornet is the largest species of wasp in the Netherlands and can grow impressively large, up to 3.5 cm long. They usually build their nests in hollow trees or old barns. Hornets are less aggressive toward humans than common wasps, but their stings can be more painful because of their size.
French Field Wasp (Polistes dominula)
The French field wasp is slimmer and less hairy than the common wasp, with longer legs that are clearly visible in flight. They build small, open nests that often hang from plants or under eaves. This species is less aggressive and less likely to be attracted to human food.
Long-headed wasp (Dolichovespula media)
The long-headed wasp often builds its nests high in trees or shrubs and can be recognized by its longer head and dark markings. This species of wasp is relatively rare in the Netherlands and is less likely to come near people, making it less likely to cause a nuisance.
The Life of Wasps during the Year
The life of wasps changes dramatically through the seasons. In spring, the cycle begins when the queen comes out of hibernation. She begins building a new nest and lays the first eggs. These eggs grow into workers who then help the queen further expand the nest and care for new larvae.
During the summer months, the wasp colony is at its peak. The nest can contain thousands of wasps, all busy gathering food and protecting the nest. Wasps feed on nectar, but they are also predators, catching other insects to feed their larvae.
As autumn approaches, the colony begins to die off. During this time, the queen lays eggs that grow into new queens and males. These leave the nest to mate, after which the new queens look for a suitable place to hibernate. The workers and the old queen die, and the nest is abandoned.
Reproduction of Wasps
Hygiene
Wasps can reproduce quickly if they find a suitable environment. Wasp reproduction begins with the queen, who builds a nest after hibernating and lays her first eggs there. A queen can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime, often several hundred per day during the peak season. The eggs are deposited in individual cells of the nest, from which larvae emerge after several days. These larvae are fed insects and other food by the workers. After a growth period of about two weeks, the larvae pupate into adult wasps. During the summer, the queen only lays eggs from which workers emerge, but later in the season she also lays eggs that grow into new queens and males, which is essential for the reproduction of the species.
A single wasp nest may eventually contain thousands of wasps, depending on the species and conditions. In the common wasp (Vespula vulgaris), a nest may host between 5,000 and 10,000 wasps at the end of the season. Some larger nests may contain even more wasps, with numbers as high as 20,000. The size of the nest and the number of wasps depends greatly on the availability of food and the space in which the nest is located.
What Attracts Wasps?
Wasps are attracted to a variety of food sources. Sweets such as soft drinks, fruits and sugary foods are particularly attractive. Protein-rich foods such as meat and fish can also attract wasps, especially during the summer months when they are actively looking for food to feed their larvae.
In addition, wasps are attracted to the scent of flowers and other plants because they also collect nectar. Brightly colored clothing and perfume can also attract the attention of wasps, leading to unwanted interactions.
Popular Nesting Sites of Wasps
Popular Nesting Sites of WaspsWasps are particularly selective in choosing a location to build their nest. They prefer sheltered and secure places that offer protection from the elements and predators. Common places include hollow trees, under the eaves of houses, in cavity walls, in abandoned mouse or bird nests, and in barns or other outbuildings. Wasps are also attracted to spaces below ground level, such as old rabbit burrows or holes in the ground. In addition, they can build nests in thick bushes or in gazebos. It is important that the location be difficult to access for disturbance, but still provide enough space to build their paper nest structure.
Wasps in the House
In a home, wasp nests can quickly grow into a major problem. They can build nests in walls, attics, barns and other sheltered places. The workers are constantly looking for food and can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
Difference Between Wasps and Bees
Wasps and bees are often confused, sometimes even including the peaceful bumblebee, but there are some important differences.
Appearance:
- Bees: hairy, round and compact body.
- Wasp: Slender body with distinct waist, less hairy.
- Bumblebee: Very hairy, round and stout body.
Wasps have a slender, shiny body with a narrow waist and bright yellow and black stripes. Bees, on the other hand, have a thicker, hairy body and tend to be less brightly colored, often with brown and yellow tones.
Nutrition:
- Bees: Collector of nectar and pollen (pollinators).
- Wasps: Predatory insects, feed on other insects.
- Bumblebee: Feeds on nectar and pollen (pollinator).
Wasps feed on both nectar and other insects, while bees primarily collect nectar and pollen to make honey.
Nesting behavior:
- Bees: Build waxy nests in cavities or bee hotels.
- Wasps: Make paper nests in sheltered places.
- Bumblebee: Lives in smaller nests in cavities, such as abandoned mouse nests.
Aggression:
- Bees: Less aggressive, sting only when threatened.
- Wasps: More aggressive, especially in late summer.
- Bumblebee: Very quiet, rarely stings and only when directly threatened.
Wasps are naturally more aggressive than bees and can sting several times without dying themselves. Bees usually only sting when they feel threatened, and after stinging, the bee dies.
Why It’s Important to Control Wasps
- Hygiene
Wasps can pose a threat to hygiene in and around your home. They can spread bacteria and disease by coming in contact with garbage, food scraps and other contaminated surfaces. When wasps are looking for food, they can invade your kitchen, dining areas and other places where food is prepared or stored. This can lead to food contamination and health risks for you and your family.
- Damage to your home
Wasps can cause significant damage to your home, especially if they build their nests in walls, attics or other structures. The nests themselves can damage the integrity of building materials, and the presence of a large number of wasps can lead to further problems. In addition, wasps can become aggressive if their nest is disturbed, making the situation dangerous.
- Discomfort
Wasps can seriously disrupt your daily life. They can enter your home anywhere, looking for food or a place to build a new nest. Their presence can be particularly annoying during meals outside, barbecues or other activities. Wasp stings are painful and can be dangerous, especially for people who are allergic to wasp stings. The risk of stings increases as the number of wasps in the neighborhood increases.
- Safety
A wasp nest in or near your home can pose a serious safety risk. Wasps are naturally defensive and can become aggressive if they feel their nest is threatened. This can lead to multiple stings, which can be particularly dangerous for children, pets and people with allergies to wasp stings. In extreme cases, an allergic reaction to a wasp sting can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Professional Help for Wasp Control
Because of the reasons mentioned above, it is important to seek professional help quickly if you discover a wasp nest in or near your home. A professional wasp exterminator can safely and effectively address the situation, remove the nest and take measures to prevent the wasps from returning. Never attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself, as this can lead to aggressive attacks by the wasps.
Wasps play an important role in our ecosystem, but their presence in and around homes can cause significant problems. By understanding how wasps live and reproduce, and why it is important to control them, you can be better prepared to take quick action if you encounter a wasp nest. Call in a professional to ensure that the problem is resolved safely and effectively.
