During winter, most wasps die as the weather gets colder. However, some adult wasps survive these conditions by hibernating in hidden places they won’t be disturbed, such as underneath tree bark, or in cracks and crevices around structures. Most of these wasps are sexually mated females, specifically a mated queen known as a “foundress” . She is responsible for the beginning construction of a nest. During hibernation, these females hide in discreet locations such as an attic, basement, or closet. This hibernation can be difficult for wasps to survive because of the lack of food and other resources. The main goal of any wasp colony is to keep the queen alive. During the slow months when there isn’t much available food, many wasps die off due to resource allocation. Theyre not high enough on the priority chain to receive the food they need. Meanwhile, the queen (and potential future queens) rest in semi-dormant states, where they remain alive and comparatively warm and comfortable. In spring, the queens re-emerge from their overwintering sites and search for a new place to build a nest. If you find wasps in your home during winter, it is best to set up wasp deterrent traps around your home and consider contacting a pest control service.