A look behind the scenes – with Wanda , the wasp queen
As summer slowly fades, the air grows crisper, and the leaves begin to fall, far more is happening in nature around us than meets the eye. In wasp nests, one of the most fascinating phases of the year begins: the preparation for autumn and winter. For many people, wasps are primarily a nuisance – but those who look more closely will recognize that these small insects play vital roles in the ecosystem.
Today, with Wanda, our charming wasp queen from the children's book of the same name, we take a loving look at what wasps actually do in the cold season – and why we all benefit from it.
Why the great farewells begin in autumn
From the end of August, life within the wasp colony changes fundamentally. The worker wasps, who have tended the nest throughout the summer, gradually die off. For them, this is a natural part of their life cycle. Even if it sometimes sounds sad, it is an essential component of the ecological balance.
Only one wasp survives the cold season:
👉 the young queen wasp , born in late summer.
In autumn, this queen bee seeks out a sheltered spot – under tree bark, in burrows, near woodpiles, or in crevices in buildings – to enter a kind of hibernation. Curled up tightly and well-insulated, she can survive periods of frost, sometimes even months without food.
What happens to the old nest?
The nest built by the worker bees in spring is not reused . It slowly disintegrates over the winter or is used as a food source by birds, mice, and other animals.
Next year, the new queen will build her own nest – all from scratch.
This means that wasps do not return to the same nest the following year . A common concern that many people have is therefore completely unfounded.
Why wasps are important – even indispensable.
Many people ask themselves with relief in autumn:
"Does this really have to happen again next summer?"
Our clear answer is: Yes – and that's a good thing.
Wasps are not simply "stinging insects", but perform tasks that no one else undertakes:
1. Natural pest controllers
Wasps catch and eat countless insects that would cause us far more trouble in everyday life – including mosquitoes, flies, aphids, caterpillars, and other pests. A single wasp colony consumes several kilograms of these insects in the summer.
2. Important pollinators
Although bees play the main role here, wasps also contribute: they visit flowers, feed on nectar and thus help plants to reproduce.
3. An indispensable part of the ecological balance
Every animal has its role in nature. Wasps are beneficial insects – and their work ensures that other species don't become overpopulated.
4. No danger if you know their rules.
Wasps only sting when they feel threatened. Following a few simple rules of conduct in summer can almost completely avoid potential conflicts.
Wanda prefers to explain it herself.
In our children's book "Wanda, the Wasp Queen" we show in a child-friendly way why wasps are so important and how to deal with them properly.
Wanda takes children – and parents – on a charming, heartwarming journey through a wasp's nest and explains:
-
why wasps sometimes seem curious in summer,
-
when they need rest,
-
why their populations end in autumn
-
and how nature remains in balance through these rhythms.
Especially in autumn, Wanda is a wonderful example of how even small animals can tell big stories.
Autumn and winter are the wasps' resting period – and a gift to nature.
As the forests quiet down, so do the wasps.
The annual cycle ensures that each queen starts anew in spring – with renewed strength and an important task for the ecosystem.
If we see wasps not just as nuisances, but as little helpers of nature, it is easier for us to live respectfully with them.
And that's exactly what Wanda wants to contribute to – friendly, courageous and full of knowledge.
