why do I get one wasp in bathroom in the winter

[ERNIE]

Every year for the past 15 years I get one sometimes two large wasps in my bathroom always around about December time. I have had the loft checked but can not see any nests to speak of. In the summer months when wasps are active we do not see any extra activity in or around the house that you would not expect, definately not in the bathroom.
Why does it happen every year just the one large wasp? Help terrified of them

[The Woodman]

Hi Ernie

There are some excellent wasp enthusiasts on this forum and I'm sure they'll be along shortly.

We see the odd single large wasp over the winter months and they're usually hibernating queens that have been disturbed just like the one in my motorcycle jacket sleeve that got it's own back with a vengeance one early spring morning on a rare bike outing!

[wizzo]

Hi Earnie and welcome to WAB. The Wasps you are refering to are Queens. When all the workers have died off, you are left with lots of Queens that will go in search of new nest sights. It's likely that you have a nest nearby, but once abandoned, it won't be used again by the same colony. These lathargic Queens won't do you any harm and will in all probability die soon anyway. Hope this helps - Wizzo

P.s Earnie...I know it's easy to say but, wasps really are wonderful creatures that will only harm you if they feel threatened. I always let them get on with what ever they are doing - but the missus on the other hand!!!

[foxy mars]

Last week, I had a Wasp in my kitchen. Looked like a Queenie by the size of it, I think it was dormant.

[Ukwildlifeo]

As others have said this is just a queen that is looking for somewhere to hibernate overwinter. In spring it will leave and set up a colony elsewhere. These wasps for all of spring and most of summer will hunt insects including many pests and are very useful to us humans, so best not to swat them

[treecreeper]

Welcome to WAB Ernie

[Jason Claxton]

And welcome from me too ERNIE.