These findings came in 2012 when WE was constructed and saw the wasps for the first time. Reasearch by the University of Tennessee and local entimological groups that found this bread of wasps to not be local to the area, and to be quite aggressive. They've never found nests in the area and the wasps never create them while they are here leading the researchers to believe there was a different bunch of wasps each day (otherwise, why wouldnt they set up shop if it's so perfect?)Additionally, Paper Wasps are commonly found in the northeast in the spring and the south/southwest during the fall and winter. This lead to the notion that the species was migrating, however this has never been pursued further. The red wasp, however, IS local and has its mating season during this time of year and is the species that is most prevalent when TH shuts down for their swarm. As for their love of WE and TH, both species look for a high and hot place to gather during the day and gradually dissipate as it gets darker. The local red wasps like wood and cling to TH, but thanks to the pressure treatments and chemicals used in "weather-proofing" the wood, the wasps cause no harm to TH. The Paper Wasps seem to seak altitude as well as heat and WE's lift is the highest and warmest thing in the immediate area. This makes it prime realestate for their activity.
The Gatlinburg Space Needle also sees a swarm this time of year.