Queen wasp - what to do with it?

jpm · #1 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 08:51 PM

I just found a large wasp which I assume is a queen.

I'm guessing it dropped down from our attic via a light socket.

It seems very healthy and active.

I'm not sure what to do with it - obviously don't want to return it to the attic!

If I release it to the outdoors will the cold kill it?

Thanks

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 08:54 PM

Find a sheltered area, either thick vegetation, a shed, under a shed, a garage, a gap in the garden, amoungst dead wood etc and place it there. As long as it is frost free it should survive. It is a Queen too at this time of year.

jpm · #3 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 09:22 PM

Thanks for that!

so it's spending the night in my garage. with a piece of apple...

posie · #4 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 09:54 PM

Offer it honey water mix, or sugar water if you haven't got honey.See Bumble bee story thread, .there is helpful stuff on there...Posie..

jpm · #5 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 07:28 AM

My wasp died. it was freezing last night. I thought it would find shelter in my garage but it didn't work. Thanks for the advice.

posie · #6 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 11:05 AM

Sorry about your wasp, but thanks for letting us know. Posie,,..

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 23-02-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpm

My wasp died. it was freezing last night. I thought it would find shelter in my garage but it didn't work. Thanks for the advice.

Interesting, unless they are exposed to frost they can normally cope with very cold temperatures.

jpm · #8 (**permalink**) 24-02-2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Interesting, unless they are exposed to frost they can normally cope with very cold temperatures.

The garage is definitely frost free and there are loads of places (boxes etc.) it could have sheltered in. It had only moved a few inches from the location I placed it. I was wondering if the acid in the apple caused it? I'm a complete softy when it comes to animals and insects so this bothers me. I had a butterfly living in my boot room for most of the winter until it died. What do you do with a butterfly? I need to spend more time on WAB.

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 24-02-2010, 05:53 PM

No they like to feed on apples the citric acid level is not strong enough to damage the wasp. Its likely that its body fat levels that it has attained for hibernation have dropped below a critical level it could have been active some time or become active earlier in winter then become dormant again. I would not worry there will be plenty of new queens to start new colonies in the spring.