Only new queens, produced in late summer, will survive the winter to start new colonies next year. Watch for them to start their nests in the spring, and destroy them while the nests are small. In the fall, next year's queen wasps search for a place to overwinter. rather like hibernating, such as under a piece of bark. Some may come into your house to look for overwintering sites. At this time of year many of the wasps that you see are males, which don't sting, and won't live long.
Males have longer antennae than females.
If they enter your house, either kill them with a fly swatter, or if you are a compassionate person, catch them in a clear plastic bag and release them back outside. Read about hornets, yellow jackets, paper wasps and other wasps in The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders. FAQ Links Contact Us New Mexico Native Bee Pollinator Project About Dr. Strickler Updated February 1, 2001. Copyright 2000, Karen Strickler. All rights reserved.