Why Wasps Become Aggressive and 'Dopey' Towards the End of Summer

As summer comes to an end, you may notice that wasps become more aggressive and, at times, seem ‘dopey’ or disorientated... These changes in behaviour are common as the wasp colony winds down for the season. But why exactly do wasps act this way towards the end of summer? Understanding the underlying causes can help you protect yourself and avoid becoming a target for their stings. Here’s what’s going on and why it’s important to be cautious around wasps during this time.

Why Are Wasps More Aggressive in Late Summer?

Towards the end of the summer, wasp behaviour changes significantly due to environmental and biological factors... Here’s why they become more aggressive as the season draws to a close:

• Colony Decline: As the weather starts to cool, the queen stops laying eggs, and the colony begins to die off. The workers become more agitated as they no longer have a queen to protect, and with fewer wasps to maintain order, they tend to become more territorial and protective of their nests. This heightened aggression is often a result of stress and the need to protect the nest from perceived threats.

• Food Scarcity: As the summer progresses, natural food sources for wasps begin to dwindle. Flowers die, fruits begin to rot, and food supplies become harder to find. As a result, wasps are more desperate and will actively seek out sugary food, including leftover human food in your garden, which can lead to more frequent and aggressive encounters.

• Increased Temperature Inside the Nest: During the height of summer, the temperature inside the nest can rise dramatically, especially on hot days. Wasps tend to congregate in the cooler areas of the nest, but when the temperature becomes too hot, they can become irritable and more likely to sting. The combination of a hot environment and high stress can make wasps more aggressive as they feel threatened.

Why Do Wasps Appear 'Dopey' or Disorientated?

In addition to becoming more aggressive, you may also notice that wasps seem to behave sluggish or "dopey" toward the end of summer... This behaviour is linked to several factors that affect the wasp's physical state:

• Drunkenness from Fermented Fruit: As wasps scavenge for food in late summer, they often consume fermented fruit that has fallen from trees. This fruit has begun to ferment due to the heat, and as a result, it can intoxicate the wasps. They may seem disorientated, sluggish, or even ‘drunk’ as they stagger around looking for more food or shelter.

• Weakened Physical Condition: Towards the end of the season, wasps are living on borrowed time. They have already worked tirelessly throughout the summer, and their physical condition starts to decline. As a result, they become less agile and can appear ‘dopey’ or lethargic.

• Shortened Lifespan: As the colony nears its end, the wasps’ lifespans are naturally shortened. Many of the worker wasps are nearing the end of their life cycle, which contributes to erratic and confused movements. The combination of exhaustion, reduced functionality, and hormonal changes in the nest can lead to the wasps appearing "out of sorts."

How to Stay Safe From Wasps in Late Summer

As wasps become more aggressive and "dopey", it’s important to take extra precautions to avoid getting stung... Here are some tips to stay safe during this period:

• Avoid Disturbing Nests: If you find a wasp nest, especially in your loft or garden, avoid disturbing it. Wasps can become easily agitated when they feel their nest is under threat, making them more likely to sting.

• Cover Food: Wasps are attracted to sugary foods and drinks, especially as the summer winds down. Always cover your food and drinks when eating outside and avoid leaving food exposed.

• Wear Protective Clothing: If you’re spending time outdoors, try to wear light-coloured clothing. Wasps are less attracted to pale colours and more attracted to dark colours. Avoid wearing floral prints or bright colours, as these can mimic the colours of flowers, drawing in more wasps.

• Install Wasp Traps: Wasp traps can help reduce the population in your garden. Place them away from seating areas to keep wasps away from where you’re relaxing or eating.

• Call a Professional: If you have a wasp nest on your property, it’s safest to call a professional pest control service. GEM Services can remove nests safely and prevent any risk of being stung.

Why Choose GEM Services for Wasp Control?

When wasps become more aggressive and erratic towards the end of summer, it’s important to rely on professionals who can manage the situation safely and effectively... Here’s why GEM Services is your best option for wasp control:

• Expert Knowledge: Our team has years of experience in managing wasp infestations and knows how to handle the increased aggression seen at the end of the summer.

• Safe Removal: We use the safest methods to remove wasp nests without risking stings or damage to your property.

• Local Experience: Serving Kent and surrounding areas, we understand the local wasp challenges and are equipped to provide lasting solutions.

• 
  

If you’re dealing with aggressive or disorientated wasps near your home, don’t wait for the situation to escalate... Contact GEM Services today for professional wasp control solutions.