Question
QUESTION: We have a wasp nest located on our back porch - between the siding and the roof. Usually they come and go through a small opening at one end. About 12 hours ago the wasps started to congregate around this opening in rather large numbers and don't appear to be leaving. What would cause this type of behavior?

ANSWER: Christina,

Are you sure these are wasps and not honey bees (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/bee.html for a picture of a honey bee)? Honey bees will do this when the hive is splitting, wasp nests don't split. If these are wasps there may be something blocking the opening, preventing workers that are returning to the colony from entering.

Jack DeAngelis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No, they aren't honey bees. I don't think the entrance is blocked because occasionally one will enter or come out. Also I've noticed several larvae on the porch. I guess they fell out of the nest. Do you think the nest is just too crowded for them all?

Answer
I've never heard of this behavior in wasps but I guess it is possible. The fact that larvae are being pushed out certainly suggests that the hive is overcrowded. A stressed colony, for whatever reason, can be more aggressive than an unstressed one so be especially cautious if you approach this hive.

Jack DeAngelis