From the studies, it is clear that wasps are social insects which live as groups. There are over 120,000 species of wasps in Melbourne. The most common are Yellow jacket, Paper wasps and hornets. Each one has one common characteristic that they make paper nests. But they vary in sizes, shapes and appearance. Also they have different locations to build their nests from each other.

If we talk about paper wasps, their nests are comparatively small in size. They mostly build nests in eaves or on overhung structures. The nests of paper wasps are umbrella-shaped. Now if we talk about hornets, these insects build large nest structures which look like a football. As to protect their nests from any dangerous situation, they often build them on the top of the trees. Yellow jackets on the other hand choose to make their nests underground or in the walls. Their nests have a wavy texture. In this article we will discuss how do wasps build nests and how we can avoid them to build nests in our place.

Steps of how do wasps build nests?

Process:

The process of wasp nest building starts after the months of winter when queen wasps come out from hibernation. After that, depending on the type of wasp species, the queen wasps start to find a suitable location for nest building. It could be on top of the trees, undergrounds, between the walls or under the eaves. After selecting a suitable spot to build a nest.The queen starts to make the structure of the nest from the chewed wood plump.

• Material collection: Queen wasps scratch wood from fences, logs and any wood structures and mix it with its saliva. After this, they make a slippery and fluid-like material which is the material for their nest making.
• Initial structure: The first structure queens made is a small hexagonal cluster. You can say it’s the base structure of  the nest.
• Laying the eggs: After creating the first structure, queens start to lay their eggs in the nests.
• Development of workers: Once the eggs are hatched, the workers emerge and grow up. After that these workers take charge for the rest of the development of the nest.

Wasp Nest Structure:

Wasps have done such an incredible job while making their nests which are efficiently designed to fit thousands of wasps. The structure is protected by multiple layers so that there would not be any chances for any destruction. The outer layer of the nest is made up of weather-resistant material so that it can face any weather easily. It also protect the inner layers of the nest. The inner cells are structured hexagonally from layer to layer. These cells reside larvae, pupae and eggs inside them. There is a stalk in the center of the nest just to attach the nest with the surface or ceiling wherever the nest is built.

Wasp Nest Development:

As the population increases the nest also increases. The process of nest-building proceeds in the following stages:

• Foundation stage: The queen lays eggs after the initial structure of the nest is built. And that is the first batch of eggs.
• Growth stage: When the eggs are hatched they grow up and take part in expanding the nest development.
• Highest population: In the mid of the summer and till the end, the population of wasps is the highest. There are about thousands of wasps in one nest.
• Decreasing stage: In the Autumn season, the declining phase starts. When the queen stops to lay eggs and thus the population starts to decrease.
• Decline stage: As the winters arrive, the whole colony dies off except for the queens which hibernate themselves for the next season.

An important role of worker wasps:

The worker wasp plays an important role in the development and protection of the nest. They work as the backbone for the survival of the whole wasp colony. Here are some important roles they are responsible for:

• Expansion of the nest: The workers keep on collecting wood scraps to add extra layers to the nest.This is to keep the nest strong and resistant.
• Feeding the larva: The workers are responsible to collect nectar, sugary food and insects for the growth of the developing larvae.
• Protection of the colony: The workers protect the nest from any danger or hazard. Whether it’s birds, humans or other insects.
• Maintaining the temperature: A great ability of workers is when they fan their wings they help to regulate the temperature of the nest. While providing the optimal temperature for the colony.

Wasps nest lifespan:

As there are different nests for different types of wasps. So the lifespan for each nest varies differently. But the average span for a nest is almost a season. As the winter arrives, the workers and the old queens perish. The only ones which survive are the newly fertilized queens which proceed to the life cycle. Some of you might think that humans have to do this job. But the reason why wasp nests could not survive any longer is the severe cold conditions and shortage of food and shelter.

What should I do if I see a wasp nest?

If you have to face a wasp nest around your house or workplace it is suggested to handle the situation wisely.

• You should observe the nest from a distance as wasps can get aggressive in no time if they feel any disturbance.
• As there are different nests for different species, identifying the nest could help to select the treatment course.
• Attempting to remove the nest with DIY solution could bring damage and danger for you.Without proper knowledge about it, it is suggested not to take the responsibility in your hands.
• Call a professional pest control team to handle the situation. Professionals know the treatments and tricks to make your place safe and protective from any pest and their nests.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that wasps are great nest builders. With enough efficiency they build their nests strong and danger resistant. While providing support and protection to the colony. From the initial start from queens to the hard work of workers. The nest is designed in a proper structure to house thousands of wasps. While wasps play an important role in our environment, their nests can be a real problem for our property.

Call to Action

To treat wasp nests in Melbourne, Zap It pest control Melbourne provides the best services in all the suburbs of Melbourne. Our services are available 24/7 for your safety. Contact us today to protect your house or workplace from any kind of pests.

FAQs

 How long does wasps need to build their nests?

From the initial construction to the fully constructed nests takes almost 4 to 6 months. The queens initiate the process while after the workers are grown ups they expand the nest.

What does a wasp nest start to look like?

At the start of the process the wasp nest looks like a papery textured small golf ball or a walnut. It is made up of the mixture of chewed wood and wasp saliva giving it a papery texture.

What kind of wasps build nests in Melbourne Australia?

The most common types of wasp to build nests in Melbourne Australia are the European wasp and the common paper wasp. As both of them make paper nests. 

When are wasps most active?

According to the studies, wasps are most likely to be active in the day time. When they construct their nests, search for food and all other needs.

Why & How do wasps build nests?

Wasps create nests to protect themselves and give them shelter. They do this by using chewed wood mixed with their saliva.