Why Bees, Wasps, and Hornets Are So Active in August and September
As summer fades into fall, you might notice an increase in the activity of bees, wasps, and hornets around your home, garden, or outdoor spaces. August and September is a particularly busy time for these insects, and their heightened presence can sometimes lead to concerns about stings and safety. But why are these buzzing insects so active during this time of year? This article explores the reasons behind the surge in bee, wasp, and hornet activity in September and what you can do to stay safe.
1. Seasonal Changes and Insect Behavior
- Nesting and Colony Dynamics: Throughout the spring and summer, bees, wasps, and hornets work diligently to build their nests and grow their colonies. By September, these colonies have reached their peak in size and activity. The workers are more numerous, and their energy is focused on supporting the hive or nest in preparation for the coming winter.
- Foraging for Food: As the weather cools and natural food sources become scarce, bees, wasps, and hornets are on the hunt for sugars and carbohydrates to sustain their colonies. This is why you might notice them more around human food, sugary drinks, and ripe fruit during this time.
2. The Search for Sugars
- Decline in Flowering Plants: In September, many of the flowers that bees rely on for nectar have stopped blooming. With fewer flowers available, bees and wasps are more likely to seek out alternative sources of sugar, leading them to picnic tables, trash cans, and outdoor gatherings where food and drinks are present.
- Ripening Fruits: Late summer and early fall are prime times for many fruits to ripen. Bees, wasps, and hornets are attracted to the sweet juices of fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, which are abundant in September. These insects are often found around orchards, vineyards, and gardens, where they can easily access these sugary foods.
3. Reproductive Cycles
- Late-Season Reproduction: For wasps and hornets, September marks the time when the colony begins to produce new queens and male drones. These reproductive members need extra nourishment to prepare for the next stage of their life cycle. As a result, worker wasps and hornets become more aggressive in their search for food to feed the growing brood.
- Colony Breakdown: As the season changes, the structure of wasp and hornet colonies begins to break down. The workers become less focused on maintaining the nest and more interested in finding food for themselves, leading to increased activity and sometimes aggressive behavior.
4. Increased Human Interaction
- Outdoor Activities: September is a popular month for outdoor activities, such as barbecues, picnics, and sports events. As people spend more time outside, they inadvertently attract bees, wasps, and hornets with food and drinks. These insects are particularly drawn to sugary beverages, meat, and sweet-smelling perfumes or lotions.
- Nesting Sites Near Humans: By September, wasp and hornet nests may have grown quite large and may be located in close proximity to human activity. Common nesting sites include eaves, attics, trees, and even underground burrows. As these nests expand, the likelihood of encountering these insects increases.
5. Heightened Aggression
- Defensive Behavior: As the colonies reach their peak in size and activity, bees, wasps, and hornets become more defensive of their nests. They are more likely to sting if they feel their nest is threatened, which can happen if you inadvertently get too close to a nest while gardening or enjoying outdoor activities.
- Desperation for Food: The scarcity of food in September can make wasps and hornets more aggressive in their search for nourishment. They are more likely to take risks and engage in confrontations with humans over food sources, increasing the chances of being stung.
6. Tips for Staying Safe
- Avoid Attracting Insects: Keep food and drinks covered when outdoors, and clean up spills or food scraps promptly. Use lids on trash cans, and avoid leaving ripe fruit or sugary items outside.
- Be Cautious Near Nests: If you notice increased activity around a particular area, there may be a nest nearby. Avoid disturbing it, and consider contacting a professional for safe removal if necessary.
- Wear Protective Clothing: When spending time outdoors, especially in areas known to have nests, wear light-colored clothing and avoid strong scents that could attract insects.
- Stay Calm: If a bee, wasp, or hornet comes near you, try to remain calm and avoid swatting at it. Sudden movements can provoke them to sting.
Conclusion
August and September is a busy time for bees, wasps, and hornets as they prepare for the winter months. Their increased activity is driven by the need to gather food, support their colonies, and protect their nests. While these insects are essential to our ecosystem, their presence can be unnerving, especially when they are more aggressive. By understanding their behavior and taking precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of unwanted encounters and enjoy the outdoors safely.