Umbrella Wasp

Identification

Umbrella wasps are yellow and black striped insects with slender bodies. They have four wings and six legs, and they measure about 3/4 to 1 inch long. They are a common type of wasp that can be found in many areas of the world and are often seen in Madison Wisconsin in the warmer months of the year. They are named after their distinctive nests, which look like upside-down umbrellas with hexagonal cells and are made up from chewed wood pulp that is gathered from nearby sources. The queen lays her eggs, one per cell, to serve as the immature wasps’ home from egg through pupae. The hive can hold anywhere from 1 to 100 adults. These nests are often attached to structures such as eaves, gutters, shutters, railings, and play equipment. Umbrella wasps can be a nuisance and a threat to humans, especially if they feel threatened or disturbed. 

Lifecycle

Umbrella wasps go through complete metamorphosis, which means they have four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The lifecycle from egg to adult takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The cycle begins when a single queen emerges from hibernation in the spring and starts building the nest and laying eggs. She tends to the eggs until they hatch into larvae and then pupate into adults. All of these are sterile female workers who help the queen with nest building and egg laying. In late summer or early fall, reproductive males and females are produced and leave the nest to mate. The males die after mating, while the fertilized females (also known as queens) overwinter in tight spaces or organic material until the next spring.

Reproduction

Umbrella wasps reproduce in late summer or early fall, when reproductive males and females are produced and leave the nest. The males fly around looking for females to mate with. The females release pheromones to attract the males. After mating, the males die, and the females store the sperm in their bodies until they are ready to lay eggs. The females then look for a suitable place to overwinter, such as under bark, in crevices, or in leaf litter. They have extra fat and an antifreeze type agent that allows them to survive the winter. In the spring, they emerge and start a new colony.

Survival

Umbrella wasps can survive in various habitats, both natural and human made. They prefer protected areas where they can build their nests and find food sources. They are attracted to nectar and other sugary solutions such as honeydew and ripe fruit juices. They also feed on insects and spiders that they catch with their mandibles. They can be found in trees, bushes, meadows, orchards, woodlands, and urban and suburban settings.

Behavior

Umbrella wasps are social insects that live in colonies with a queen and workers. They have facial recognition abilities that allow them to identify their nest mates from their looks and pheromones. They also apply an “anti-ant” chemical to the hive stem and base to prevent ants from invading their nest. Umbrella wasps can sting multiple times if they feel threatened or disturbed. Their venom contains pheromones that alarm their friends of who the target is. Once you get stung the other wasps will go into attack mode and swarm.

Umbrella wasps can be dangerous and if you have concerns about them call the Experts Today for an honest quote and evaluation to meet your specific needs!

Kwik Kill Services to control Umbrella Wasps

• Home Protection Program
• Insect & Rodent Combo Package Program
• Wasp Elimination

Additional Information:

https://extension.psu.edu/european-paper-wasp
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/paper-wasps