Biology:
Wasps are social insects and live in nests or colonies. Typically, only inseminated queens overwinter and do so in sheltered places. She will begin to make a few cells in a small nest to begin a colony. One egg is laid in each cell and the queen feeds the developing lava. After about 30 days the first 5-7 workers emerge and shortly take over all the work except egg laying. Nest size varies, but average 2000-6000 cells and usually contains 1000-4000 workers. The founding Queen, the workers and males all die during the winter the new queen overwinters.

Habits:
Depending on the species, the overwintering queen will usually select either a subterranean or aerial nesting site. The German wasp (common wasp) normally nests in buildings. There are usually guards near their nest. Some people become hypersensitive to their stings and future stings can become life threatening. Those nesting in buildings are only a problem when the nest or nest entrance is located near human activity.

Reasons for Control:
Damage to goods, loss of production, loss of quality, cross infestation, to comply with UK Legislation.