Overview

• Wasps only sting when disturbed or threatened, contrary to common belief that they are aggressive by nature.
• The late-summer surge follows the insects’ reproductive cycle as workers and queens forage to build reserves for next year.
• Wasps are drawn to the sugars and proteins offered at barbecues and coffee gatherings, making outdoor events hotspots for encounters.
• Attempts to blow on wasps are counterproductive since CO₂ signals alarm and triggers defensive behavior.
• Federal law fully protects wasps and their nests, allowing nest removal only by certified professionals and penalizing unauthorized destruction.