Bee and wasp activity shifts dramatically throughout the year, with each season bringing unique behaviors and challenges for homeowners and gardeners alike. Understanding these patterns not only helps protect your home and outdoor spaces but also promotes coexistence with these important — and sometimes pesky — insects.

In spring, honey bees emerge from winter survival mode and begin rebuilding their colonies. Worker bees collect nectar and pollen to feed the brood, while the queen increases her egg-laying rate to replenish the population that dwindled over the colder months. This period of rapid growth can also trigger swarming, when a colony becomes overcrowded and a portion of bees — along with a new queen — leave to establish a new home. Although swarming can look intimidating, these bees are typically not aggressive.

Meanwhile, wasps and hornets are just beginning their annual cycle. The overwintered queens, having survived the cold months in sheltered spots, start searching for suitable nesting sites such as tree branches, attics, sheds, or even wall cavities. They begin building the first papery cells of their nests and laying eggs that will become the first generation of workers. During this time, colonies are small and activity may go unnoticed, making spring an ideal time for early inspection and prevention.

By summer, bees and wasps are in full swing. Honey bee colonies reach their peak population, with thousands of workers actively foraging and producing honey. Gardens, orchards, and wildflowers benefit from their intense pollination activity, which is vital for healthy ecosystems and abundant harvests.

Wasps and hornets, on the other hand, are rapidly expanding their nests. The small starter nests of spring can become basketball-sized structures by mid-summer, housing hundreds or even thousands of insects. This is often when homeowners first spot papery gray nests tucked under eaves, inside shrubs, or hanging from tree branches. While bees remain focused on flowers, wasps turn more predatory, hunting caterpillars, spiders, and other insects to feed their developing larvae.

Late summer and early fall mark a turning point. As natural food sources decline and colonies reach their largest size, wasps and yellow jackets become more aggressive and more likely to scavenge around human food. Picnics, garbage cans, and outdoor events can quickly attract them. This is also the time of year when stings become most common, since food competition increases and the workers have fewer tasks left in the nest.

Honey bees, however, begin to slow their activity. The queen reduces egg-laying, and the colony starts conserving honey reserves for the coming winter. Beekeepers often harvest honey at this time, ensuring enough is left behind for the bees to survive the cold season.

During winter, the contrast between bees and wasps becomes most apparent. Honey bees remain alive inside their hives, forming a tight cluster around the queen to generate and conserve heat. They feed on stored honey to maintain energy and will only leave the hive on mild days to relieve themselves. Wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets, however, do not survive as colonies. Only the fertilized queens overwinter, finding refuge in sheltered spaces such as hollow logs, attics, or beneath tree bark. When spring returns, the entire cycle begins anew.

Understanding this seasonal cycle can make a big difference in how you manage your property. In spring, inspect and seal entry points around your home before nests grow larger. During summer, keep an eye out for developing colonies and take precautions when gardening or hosting outdoor gatherings. By fall, stay vigilant around food and drinks outdoors, as stinging insects are at their most persistent.

By observing these natural rhythms and taking small preventive steps throughout the year, you can enjoy your outdoor spaces more safely while supporting the essential role that bees play in pollination and the balance of nature.