Have you ever spotted a wasp flying around your home in the dead of winter and wondered, “Where in the world did that come from?” If so, you’re not alone. More likely than not, the type of pest you saw was a paper wasp, which gets its name from the paper-like material it uses to construct its nests.

In early fall, worker paper wasps begin to die off, most people assume that all wasps die off in the winter. However, this is not the case, certain females – the ones designated to become the future queens of a new colony – seek a protected place to overwinter. Their internal clock tells them it’s time to look for harborage sites, which might be under logs, in between deck floor joists, inside chimneys, behind siding or more often than not, inside your attic.

Paper Wasps in Homes

Female paper wasps are known for ending up inside homes. They enter through small cracks & crevices near the roofline when searching for potential overwintering spots. Once inside, paper wasps often hide in wall voids or inside warm attics. There, they enter a state of diapauses, suspending their development throughout the coldest months. This means that homeowners most likely won’t see them until spring – unless there’s an unusual period of warmer weather, during which time the wasps become active again and look for an escape route leading back outside to start a new nest. At that point, the wasps may make their way into the main living areas of the home, where they are seen by the people who are living inside.

The good thing for those who encounter a paper wasp inside the home during the winter months is that the pests are usually sluggish and can be easily removed. However, if a large population is discovered, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control professional for safe removal. While not an aggressive species by nature, paper wasps will sting if they are disturbed or feel threatened. Wasp stings are painful and may result in an allergic reaction for those sensitive to insect stings. 

Paper Wasp Prevention

The key to keeping paper wasps from moving indoors – not just over the winter but throughout the year – is to identify and seal all openings that lead to the outside of the home. Homeowners should pay special attention to porch ceilings, around roof eaves, soffits, attic rafters, windows and doorframes, as these are places where paper wasps congregate. 

All County Pest Control can offer exterior perimeter protection of your home during the warmer months to help eliminate wasp population and the chance of entering your home.