Many people are understandably intimidated by wasps and downright terrified if they find wasp nests. No need to panic! Here is a little more about how we can coexist.
Social Wasps vs. Solitary Wasps
Most people associate the word “wasp” with yellowjackets, the European Hornet, and paper wasps. All of these are social wasps, living in sizeable colonies underground, in hollow trees, or under the eaves of our homes. They defend their nests vigorously because they have dozens if not hundreds of helpless eggs, larvae, and pupae to protect.
The overwhelming majority of wasps, like mud daubers and cicada killers are solitary, each female making her own nest. These wasps are quick to fly away if approached.
What Good Are Wasps?
Wasps are valuable pollinators of flowers and predators (or parasites) of insects or spiders. Yellowjackets kill vast numbers of flies, and paper wasps feed caterpillars to their offspring. Some yellowjacket species have adapted to an urban lifestyle and become mostly scavengers at carcasses, picnics, and barbecues.
When You Find a Nest
Wasps do not usually build their nests in locations likely to be repeatedly disturbed, but if you discover a nest of yellowjackets or paper wasps you have three options: leave it alone, try and remove it yourself, or seek professional help. Option two is not recommended.
Most of the time, you can simply mark the location of the nest with a flag or ribbon and avoid the area until late fall when the occupants will have vacated. If you simply cannot tolerate your wasp neighbors, find a reputable bee removal service.
Wasp-Watching
Paper Nests
Wasp nests offer an exciting opportunity to view the lives of social insects. This is especially true of paper wasp nests because the paper comb is exposed and all the activities of the nest can be seen.
You can usually get within two or three feet of a nest without arousing the anger of the wasps. However, when you see them standing on tiptoe and flaring their wings, time to step back. Use binoculars and see if you can identify the eggs, larvae, and pupae in the paper nest cells.
Mud Nests
The nests of solitary mud dauber wasps are no less fascinating to watch, as the female carts loads of mud and molds a sleek cell for a single offspring.
Don’t knock down these nests until you see a rough, round hole (or several) where the adult wasp(s) emerged. Mud tubes on a building may be “unsightly” to you, but it is home for the wasp. Makes a great conversation-starter, too.