When wasps die | The US sun

THE summer months aren’t complete without knocking a few wasps out of the way of our BBQs and picnics.

But what happens to the stinging sensations when the winter months roll around?

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When wasps die

When summer comes to an end, the lives of thousands of wasps also come to an end.

The queens prepare for hibernation by laying a series of eggs.

They develop into male wasps and new queens that can mate to start new colonies.

With the colder weather on the way, all workers and the resident queen die, usually somewhere between October and December.

The freezing temperatures and lack of food kill the males, but the new queens hibernate throughout the winter before emerging the following spring to build new nests.

How do you kill a wasp?

Wasps play an extremely important role in our ecosystem, so it’s important to try to help our insect friends thrive – even if they deliver a sting or two.

However, some people have annoying infestation problems that leave them few options to get rid of them for good.

Some homeowners rustle up a DIY peppermint or vinegar and water repellent to spray on affected areas, while others opt for commercial wasp killers.

Another spray method is a soap and water mixture that kills them almost instantly by clogging their respiratory spores.

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People also choose to lure the wasps with a treat — fish, sugar, or honey — and trap them in a container when they crawl inside.

When all else fails, for some, a slipper or a rolled-up magazine will suffice.

How long wasps live

The species of wasps that you have floating around in your garden have an average lifespan of just 12-22 days, while a queen can live up to a year.

Wasps develop from eggs to larvae and then pupa before becoming adults.

They are warm season insects and depend on warmth and a good supply of food to survive.

Other species’ nests, such as yellowjackets and paper wasps, can last for months if predators don’t get them first.