You’ve just turned off the lights.
The house is quiet.
You’re about to drift off to sleep…
Then you hear it.
A faint buzzing sound — coming from under your bed .
Curious, you grab a flashlight and peek beneath.
And there it is:
👉 A wasp nest , nestled in the shadows, teeming with activity.
This isn’t a horror movie scene — it happened to a woman in Ohio who discovered a large paper wasp nest hiding under her bed after hearing strange noises at night.
What she thought was a mouse was actually hundreds of wasps — quietly building a colony just inches from her head.
While rare, this story is a powerful reminder:
Wasps can enter homes — and they’ll nest in the most unexpected places.
Let’s explore how this happens, why your bed might be a target, and what you can do to stay safe.
🐝 How Did Wasps Get Under the Bed?
Wasps don’t want to live indoors — but they’ll take shelter when conditions are right.
Here’s how it likely happened:
1. A Single Queen Sneaked In
In early spring, a fertilized queen wasp searches for a warm, protected spot to start a nest
She can enter through cracks in windows, doors, or walls — as small as ⅛ inch
Once inside, she builds a small paper nest and begins laying eggs
2. Your Bedroom Offered the Perfect Conditions
Warmth from body heat and room temperature
Stillness and low disturbance — ideal for nest-building
Dark, hidden space under the bed — out of sight, out of mind
🔍 Unlike bees, wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests made of chewed wood pulp — often gray or tan.
⚠️ Why a Wasp Nest Under the Bed Is Dangerous
Finding a nest under your bed is more than just creepy — it’s a real safety risk .
1. Risk of Stings
Wasps are highly defensive of their nest
Rolling over, reaching under the bed, or even walking nearby can trigger an attack
Stings near the face or neck can cause swelling, pain, or allergic reactions
2. Allergic Reactions Can Be Life-Threatening
Over 500,000 people visit the ER each year due to insect stings
Anaphylaxis (severe allergy) can lead to difficulty breathing, shock, or death without treatment
3. Nests Can Grow Quickly
A single queen can produce hundreds of worker wasps in a few weeks
The nest can expand from the size of a golf ball to a football in under two months
🏠 Other Surprising Places Wasps Nest Indoors
Wasps don’t just hide under beds. Watch for signs in:
Attics and wall voids — most common indoor nesting spots
Behind shutters or under eaves — close to entry points
In furniture or stored boxes — especially in garages or basements
Inside light fixtures or vents — drawn to warmth and shelter
🔎 Signs of a hidden nest:
Buzzing sounds in walls
Increased wasp activity near windows
Small holes with wasps entering/exiting
✅ What to Do If You Find a Wasp Nest
1. Don’t Panic — But Act Fast
The longer the nest stays, the more dangerous it becomes
Never try to remove it barefoot or at night — wasps are more aggressive in the dark
2. Seal Yourself Out
Close the bedroom door
Keep pets and kids away
Turn off lights to reduce attraction
3. Call a Professional Pest Control Service
Do not use store-bought sprays — they may agitate the nest
Professionals use protective gear and safe removal techniques
They can also seal entry points to prevent re-infestation
💡 Best time to remove: Early morning or late evening — when wasps are least active.
