Late summer in Virginia is perfect for backyard barbecues, garden picnics, and soaking up the sun. However, there is always the chance of wasps and bees crashing your fun. Throughout summer, bees and wasps have been busy reproducing, nesting, and gathering food. During later summer, their natural food sources run out, and they become hungry more than ever.
Bees and wasps will attack everything in sight, including the sweet drinks and tasty snacks at your family picnic. Yellow jackets, in particular, are notorious for swarming human gatherings. However, you can avoid attracting them by covering your foods and drinks properly and cleaning up spills quickly.
When you see bees and wasps, it is important to remain calm. Swatting at bees and wasps can provoke them. If bees and wasps are becoming a persistent problem in your yard, it might be time to call a pest control company in Arlington.
Reasons why bees and wasps are more aggressive in late summer
1. Changes in colony dynamics.
Bee and wasp populations grow larger in late summer. This means more workers to feed and protect. Therefore, the colony’s focus also shifts from reproduction to survival. To ensure their colonies survive through the colder months, bees and wasps become more defensive.
They guard their nests more aggressively because they need to protect the food supply and prevent other animals or insects from attacking their colony.
2. Food shortage.
As the summer month progresses, plants and flowers also begin to die. This results in a decrease in nectar and pollen availability. Therefore, bees and wasps struggle to find food.
Wasps love feeding on dead and decaying matter, and by the end of the summer, they become more aggressive while searching for sugar-rich foods.
They may enter human spaces such as BBQ areas or picnics where meat, protein, and sugary items are present.
3. Protective instincts.
As the season ends, both bees and wasps become very defensive of their nests. Their main goal is to protect the queen and ensure the colony’s survival. This leads to a stronger protective instinct and makes them more likely to attack if they feel their nest is under attack.
Pheromones play a very important role in this aggression. When a bee or wasp feels threatened, it releases alarm pheromones from their body. This pheromone signals other members of the colony to become more aggressive, which leads to a swarm.
Common things that trigger bees/wasps
1. Proximity to nests.
Bees and wasps are often triggered by certain factors that make them feel threatened or attracted. One of the main triggers is proximity to their nests. If a bee or wasp feels that its nest is being disturbed, even if it is unintentional, it may attack to defend it. This may happen if you accidentally step too close or touch a nest.
2. Food and drinks.
If you are partying outdoors, sugary and protein-rich foods can attract bees and wasps. Wasps are attracted to sugary and protein-rich foods like fruits, cold drinks, and meat. The smell of these items can attract them and increase the chances of an encounter. Therefore, make sure you cover your drinks and foods properly and place wasp and bee-repelling plants in your garden.
3. Bright colors and scents.
Wasps and bees are also attracted to bright colors and strong scents. These insects use their sense of smell to find food. If you wear bright clothes, especially in shades of orange, yellow, or floral patterns, it can attract them as they can confuse it with flowers. Additionally, scents from your perfumes and lotions can draw these pests.
Protect yourself from wasp attacks!
You do not want to let aggressive bees and wasps ruin your late summer fun. With a few precautions and some help from professionals, you can enjoy the season worry-free.