Wasps: Beneficial Predators with a Bad Reputation
Introduction
Wasps are often seen as pests that ruin picnics and sting people. However, these insects play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are natural pest controllers and pollinators. By understanding their lifecycle and behavior, we can learn to coexist with wasps and appreciate their benefits.
What Are Wasps?
Wasps are closely related to bees, but they are carnivores. There are over 7,000 species of wasps in the UK. Most wasps are solitary, meaning they live alone and build their own nests. However, some wasps are social, meaning they live in large colonies with a queen and worker wasps.
The Lifecycle of Wasps
- Solitary Wasps: Solitary wasps mate and then build a small nest in which they lay eggs. The female wasp stocks the nest with insects, grubs, and spiders to feed her young. The female wasp dies after laying her eggs, and her young develop and emerge from the nest on their own.
- Social Wasps: Social wasps live in colonies with a queen and worker wasps. The queen wasp lays eggs, and the worker wasps gather food to feed the grubs. In return for food, the grubs secrete a sugary solution that the worker wasps drink.
Wasps as Pest Controllers
Wasps are voracious predators of other insects, including caterpillars, aphids, and other garden pests. By eating these pests, wasps help to keep our gardens healthy and productive. Some solitary wasps even specialize in hunting a particular type of insect.
Wasps as Pollinators
Wasps also play a role in pollination. Some wasps have a close relationship with specific flowers, such as figworts and angelica. When these wasps visit the flowers to feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen between the flowers, helping them to reproduce.
Why Are Wasps Annoying?
Only a few species of wasps are responsible for the problems that we experience in summer. These wasps are typically workers from social wasp colonies. In late summer, when the queen wasp stops laying eggs, the worker wasps are no longer needed to feed the grubs. With no job to do, these wasps become more active and start to seek out sugary foods. This is when they are most likely to come into contact with humans and cause problems.
How to Deter Wasps
There are several things you can do to deter wasps from your home and garden:
- Avoid leaving sugary foods and drinks unattended.
- Keep your garbage cans covered.
- Avoid wearing perfume or scented products in the garden.
- Hang a fake wasp nest in your garden.
- Plant wasp-repelling plants, such as mint, basil, and lavender.
How to Remove a Wasp Nest
If wasps are nesting in your home or garden, it is important to remove the nest. However, it is best to leave this task to a professional. Wasps can be aggressive when they feel threatened, and it can be dangerous to try to remove the nest yourself.
Conclusion
Wasps are beneficial insects that play an important role in our ecosystem. By understanding their lifecycle and behavior, we can learn to coexist with wasps and appreciate their benefits. By taking simple steps to deter wasps, we can reduce the likelihood of being stung and enjoy our gardens without fear.