It’s not uncommon for a wasp to wander into a house and not know how to get out anymore. This is actually quite common, and unless it’s the queen, other wasps will not follow it. Many homeowners don’t want to kill these animals, so they just let them die from natural causes, but this may take a while. The feeling of having a wasp inside your home is definitely not a pleasant one, knowing that they can hurt you. That’s why many people wonder: how long does it actually take for a wasp to die in a house?
If there’s no nest in the house, the wasp will typically die within a few days. However, if there is a nest, wasps can live for months in your home undisturbed. You should always call an exterminator if you have an infestation, as they won’t leave on their own.
Wasps are considered to be a pest if they decide to take your home as their habitat, and it can be dangerous to have wasps around the house. That’s why it’s best to get rid of them as soon as possible. Today, we’ll be taking a look at your possible cohabitation with this species. In this article, we’ll be answering many questions about wasps living in houses: how long does it take for them to die, why do wasps die indoors, how to recognize a dying wasp, what happens if you kill a wasp in your house, and how to remove a wasp from your house.
Let’s get started!
How Long Does It Take for a Wasp to Die in a House?
It will usually take just a few days for a wasp to die in a house. However, if there’s a nest in the house, the wasps can live comfortably for much longer than that, and you may find yourself in some trouble.
Depending on the conditions, a wasp nest can last from three to four months, with the nest staying dry being the most important condition. It’s important for the wasp to have water and food. Water shouldn’t be too much of a problem for the wasp – they can easily reach your toilet or sink.
However, obtaining food may be difficult – wasps are mainly predatory. They eat smaller insects and spiders, and if you’re keeping your house clean, then you won’t be having many insects.
But wasps also feed on nectar, plant juices, and other foods rich in carbohydrates. While nectar is rarely found in a household, there is no shortage of sugary foods that will feed the wasps.
Wasps also use protein to feed their offspring. You can find these proteins in foods such as sausage and meat.
Even if the natural food of wasps is not available in a human environment, there are often enough food sources to prevent starvation. It’s up to you to avoid this by having a clean house without food standing around everywhere.
Another issue for the wasp is company. There are some solitary species of wasp, but most wasps live in colonies. If they’re alone, with only you as their friend, they’ll definitely feel lonely and won’t be able to live there.
Lastly, wasps need the sun to survive. It heats them up and it’s sort of a natural attraction to them, they don’t like confined spaces with unclean, stale air without the sun.
Why Do Wasps Die Indoors?
They most often die due to a lack of food and water. Food is the more likely reason, as most people spend a lot of time cleaning – that isn’t good for the wasp as you’re getting rid of all the food they’re supposed to use for themselves.
It’s also possible that they’re dying from thirst, not starvation if all water sources are inaccessible.
Even when food and water are available, wasps die indoors because they need a colony to survive. They lack shelter, security and social interaction.
How to Recognize a Dying Wasp?
Dying wasps aren’t going to be as mobile as active wasps that are living a healthy life. As you must know, wasps can walk upside-down on the ceiling. When a wasp is dying, it won’t have the strength to do this. It’s going to be very weak and you’ll most often see it sulking around.
Dying wasps are lethargic
They’ll also try to keep close to the windows – they need the sun to survive. You’ll see that the wasp is attempting to fly, but it will barely rise from the windowsill and even when it does, it will land quickly. Dying wasps seem really lethargic.
What Happens if You Kill a Wasp in Your House?
Killing a wasp can be really counterproductive. If a wasp is killed, it will release chemical signals that tell others in the vicinity to be alert. You do not want a whole colony of wasps searching for their dead member.
Keep in mind that wasps are at fault for more deaths than any other venomous animal – more than snakes, spiders, and other venomous creatures. However, they’re only dangerous if you’re allergic to them.
The only way a wasp could seriously harm you (if you’re not allergic) is if they attacked you in such great numbers that they’d cause a bodily overreaction.
How to Remove a Wasp from Your House?
In this case, it’s best to remove the wasp in the friendliest way possible. It’s not smart and it’s pointless to kill it if you have the option to remove it without causing any trouble.
Firstly, try opening the window in the room where the wasp is (close the room before). If it doesn’t leave on its own, wave some newspaper at it and guide it out the window.
If that doesn’t work, you can always trap it with a glass and take it outside. It’s best to not harm the wasp and be friendly with them. Wasps aren’t aggressive animals that are going to attack without reason, but if you kill a member of their community, they might seek retribution.
