Are Ensign Wasps Bad?
WouterWhether or not you are ensign wasps bad depends on the extent of infestation you have. If you are looking for a quick fix, you may want to try using a product that is a repellent. However, if you are looking for a long-term solution, you will need to control the cockroach population. The ensign wasp is a parasitic wasp that feeds on the eggs and oothecae of cockroaches.
These cockroach egg parasitoid wasps are referred to as Evaniidae. They are also called cockroach wasps and hatchet wasps. They are harmless insects and can be beneficial in controlling cockroaches.
These wasps are about a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch long. They have two pairs of short wings and an oval or triangle shaped abdomen. The abdomen is attached to the thorax by a narrow petiole. Their legs are twelve to thirteen segmented. They have spiracles on the body that act as passageways to the respiratory system.
Adult wasps eat nectar and honeydew produced by aphids. They are attracted to plants with fennel and parsley. They also eat honeydew deposited on the leaves of plants by aphids. They can be found around vents, plumbing fixtures and appliances. They will return to a clean environment once they have finished feeding.
Unlike aphids, ensign wasps do not sting. If you are afraid of wasps, spray the areas that are being infested with an insecticide solution. These sprays should be applied three feet out from the structure and around the perimeter.
