Why Do Queen Wasps Come Indoors In Autumn?

As temperatures start to drop in autumn, many of us notice an increase in wasps coming indoors. This is especially common with queen wasps, who behave differently from worker wasps during this time of year. Understanding why these wasps come indoors helps explain the importance of preventative pest control measures.

The life cycle of queen wasps

Queen wasps emerge in late summer or early autumn to mate and begin preparing for hibernation. Worker wasps die off in autumn, leaving the queen as the last surviving member of the colony. With colder weather approaching, she needs a sheltered place to hibernate until spring. Often, this is why wasps come indoors. Warm, quiet spaces like attics, basements and wall cavities provide ideal hiding spots.

Queens seek areas that offer protection from predators and fluctuating temperatures. When they find these in homes or buildings, it increases the likelihood that they will re-emerge in spring to start a new colony. What do queen wasps look like? Queens have the same markings as regular wasps but are about twice as large.

How queen wasps end up in homes

Windows left open, gaps in roofing and small cracks around doorframes or vents are common entry points for queen wasps. While most worker wasps die when temperatures drop, queens actively search for warm spaces to hibernate. This explains why so many wasps come indoors during autumn. Once inside, they seek dark and quiet areas, like behind curtains or in lofts.

Some species of queen wasps are drawn to artificial light, which also encourages them to enter homes through open windows. Their search for warmth and shelter becomes especially urgent as the days get shorter.

Once indoors, queen wasps usually remain dormant until spring. However, they may be more active if disturbed. If you notice wasps during autumn or winter, it’s important to act quickly. You should contact professional pest control to safely remove any nests or hibernating queens, reducing the chances of a new colony appearing next year.

To prevent queen wasps coming indoors, sealing potential entry points is essential. Cracks in walls, doors or windows should be fixed, and flyscreens can prevent queens from entering through open windows. In addition, checking lofts and sheds for potential hiding spots will discourage queen wasps from settling in these areas.

Spotting one or two wasps indoors in autumn often indicates that more may be present. If you see a queen entering your home, it’s worth inspecting quiet areas like attics or unused spaces for signs of hibernation. We can help with professional removal, offering treatments that ensure these wasps don’t become a larger problem in the warmer months.