Well, I guess if in dormant mode, easily killed or gotten rid of. Doesn't sound good though. According to some other information online that I quickly read, it stated that only the drones (female workers) survive the winter (but I didn't see how or where the hide out), and then become a queen the following year. ??
Stone, what is that your cat/kitten has? Based on the thumbnail photo, I thought it was a snake.