Did You Know That Wasps Provide Ecosystem Services?
WouterDespite the reputation of wasps as a pest, these insects actually provide a number of important ecosystem services. Wasps are important pollinators, and they are also important in the nutrient cycling process. These insects are important for preserving a healthy environment, and if we don’t have enough of them, some plants will die.
Wasps can also be a good source of food for humans. They prey on many types of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, flies, and even aphids. However, they can also be a threat to human health. Some species of wasps can sting. These stings can be painful, and the pain may increase if the wasp stings a person who is allergic to the insect. Fortunately, regular wasp stings can be treated at home.
Some wasps have venom that has been shown to kill cancerous cells. However, it’s not known whether this venom is effective.
Wasps are also useful in controlling insect populations. They catch and kill insect pests, including caterpillars, ants, and spiders. Some species of wasps even kill poisonous spiders.
Wasps also provide other important ecosystem services. These include pollination and pest control. Wasps are also important environmental monitoring tools. In the UK, 14 million kilograms of insect prey are captured by social wasps each summer.
There are thousands of different types of wasps. Some species are useful for pollination, while others are predators of pests. Among the most helpful are braconid wasps. In some tropical countries, wasp larvae are used as a source of food.
