Where Do Wasps Go in the Winter? (And When is "Wasp Season" in Bristol & Bath?)

As the frost settles over the Chew Valley and the temperatures drop in the city, the buzzing that filled our gardens all summer suddenly vanishes. But where do the wasps go? Do they hibernate, or do they simply die off?

If you’ve ever wondered why you might find a sleepy wasp in your curtains in January, or when you should start worrying about nests in the spring, this guide is for you.

The Great Winter Die-Off

For 99% of a wasp colony, winter is the end of the road. As the first hard frosts hit Bristol and Bath, the worker wasps and the old queen naturally die off. The colony doesn't "hibernate" as a group; instead, the nest becomes a ghost town.

Common Myth: "Wasps reuse the same nest every year." The Fact: No! A wasp nest is a one-year project. Once the winter frost kills the colony, that specific nest will never be used again. However, wasps may build a new nest in the same spot next year if that location (like your loft or shed) is particularly sheltered.

The Survivors: The Hibernating Queens

Only the new, young queens survive the winter. Before the old colony dies, these queens leave the nest, mate, and find a cozy place to sleep through the cold months. They look for "micro-climates" to stay safe, such as:

• Under loose bark on trees.

• In the folds of garden furniture covers.

• Deep within the insulation of your loft or attic.

• In the cracks of old stone walls (very common in Bath city centre).

They enter a state called diapause (a type of insect hibernation), where their heart rate slows down and they produce a natural "anti-freeze" to survive the freezing Somerset nights.

When Does "Wasp Season" Start Again?

In the UK, the timeline usually follows the temperature. Here is what to expect:

March & April: The Awakening

As the weather warms up to around 10°C–12°C, the queens wake up. They are hungry and immediately start searching for a place to build a new nest. This is the best time for Prevention Services, as catching a lone queen is much easier than dealing with 5,000 workers later!

May & June: Construction Phase

The queen builds a tiny "golf ball" sized nest and lays her first eggs. She does all the work herself until the first workers hatch. You might see a small, papery ball in your shed or garage during this time.

July & August: Peak Activity

This is the height of the season. The colony is fully established, and the workers are busy. This is when most people in Keynsham and Longwell Green start calling us for emergency removals.

September & October: The "Tipsy" Phase

As the nest stops producing larvae, the workers no longer have a steady supply of sugar from the nest. They go out searching for fermented fruit or sugary drinks in pub gardens. This is when they are at their most aggressive and likely to sting.

Should I worry about a nest in the winter?

If you find a nest in your loft in December, it is almost certainly dead. However, if you see a single, large wasp crawling slowly inside your house during winter, it’s likely a queen that has been woken up early by your central heating!

Be Prepared for 2026

Don't wait until the summer heat to think about wasp protection. If you had an issue last year, your property might be a "hotspot" for new queens this spring.

Kwik Care is ready to help. Whether you need a spring inspection in Saltford or a preventative survey for your business in Bath, get in touch today.

Call Harry on 07581858094 – Your Local Wasp Expert.