Wasps

Facts & Information

Wasps are fascinating insects known for their narrow waists and aggressive stings. Learn about their behavior, habitat, types, and effective removal methods.

What are Wasps & What they do?

Wasps are insects in the family Vespidae. They look different from bees because they have slender bodies with narrow waists. Wasps come in various colors, mostly yellow and black. They are beneficial in controlling the garden pest population.

What do wasps look like?

Wasps have smooth, slender bodies with narrow waists. They usually have two pairs of wings and long legs. Their colors can be yellow, black, red, or brown, and they are less hairy than bees.

What do wasps eat?

Wasps are omnivores, like ants – they eat plants and insects (including other animals). They like nectar from flowers, fruit juices, and sugary foods. They also hunt other insects to feed their larvae. Adult wasps often catch and chew up insects to feed their young ones.

Where do wasps live?

Wasps can live in many places, from forests and meadows to cities and towns. They build nests in sheltered spots, such as under the eaves of houses, trees, or even the ground.

Lifecycle of Wasps

The lifecycle of a wasp has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

In the spring, a queen wasp wakes up from hibernation and starts building a nest.
She lays eggs in the nest. These eggs hatch into larvae.
The queen feeds the larvae until they become pupae and then turn into adult worker wasps.
The worker wasps take over, feeding the larvae and maintaining the nest while the queen lays eggs.
By the end of the season, new queens and males are born. After mating, the new queens hibernate, and the cycle starts again next spring.

Types of Wasps

There are many types of wasps, but here are some common ones you might see:

Sub-species

Yellowjackets: These are very aggressive and often nest in the ground or inside buildings.

Paper Wasps: These wasps build umbrella-shaped nests made of a paper-like material. You can often see their nests under the eaves of houses.

Hornets: These are larger wasps that build big, enclosed paper nests, usually in trees or bushes.

Treatment - How to get rid of Wasps

Identify the Nest: Find where the wasps have built their nest. It might be in a tree, under the eaves of a house, or in the ground.
Avoid Disturbing: Don’t disturb the nest, as this can make the wasps angry and cause them to sting.
Use Wasp Spray: If the nest is small and accessible, you can use a wasp-specific insecticide spray. Do this in the evening when wasps are less active.
Call Professionals: For large nests or hard-to-reach places, contact a pest control service that specializes in wasp removal, wasp pest control, and wasp nest removal. They have the tools and knowledge to safely remove the nest.

Facts About Wasps

Aggressive Defenders

Wasps are more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times.

Social Insects

Many wasps live in colonies with a structured social system.

Predators

Wasps help control pest populations by hunting other insects.

Varied Nests

Their nests can be made of paper, mud, or even underground.

Pollinators

Some wasps also pollinate flowers while searching for nectar.

Wasps FAQs

Why do wasps sting?

Wasps sting to protect themselves or their nest. They use their sting as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened.
What to apply on a wasp sting?

If you get stung by a wasp, you can clean affected area with soap, apply cold pack and take antihistamine for itching or pain.
Do wasps pollinate?

Yes, some wasps do pollinate flowers while they are searching for nectar. However, they are not as effective at pollination as bees.
Do wasps kill bees?

Yes, some types of wasps, like yellowjackets, can attack and kill bees. They might do this to steal honey or to use bees as food for their larvae.
What do wasps do for the environment?

Paper wasps can be quite beneficial to gardens, even though they sometimes nibble on fruit. They help control pests like caterpillars, beetle larvae and flies by feeding on them. They also contribute to pollination by consuming nectar from flowers.
What does a wasp sting look like?

A wasp sting usually causes a red, swollen bump on the skin and it is itchy. In some cases, it may lead to more severe allergic reactions.