How Are Wasps Useful Pest Controllers?
WouterDespite the common opinion that wasps are parasites, a recent study suggests that they are also useful pest controllers. Their stings are a valuable resource for biological control programs, and they can play a vital role in controlling disease-carrying pests.
A study by researchers at University College London (UCL) examined more than 500 academic papers to explore the role of stinging wasps in the ecosystem. They found that there are at least 33,000 species of stinging wasps in the world, each of which has a unique role in our ecosystem.
The researchers found that these stinging wasps play a significant role in pest control programs, and they have the potential to provide substantial economic benefits. They also found that the venom of stinging wasps is a powerful antibiotic.
Some species of parasitic wasps, such as the German Wasp Vespula germanica, capture crop pests, such as black fly. The adult wasps then feed the pests to their larvae.
In addition to killing pests, wasps also control other insects such as ants, spiders, and greenflies. They are also known to produce pheromones, which act as a warning to other wasps that they are being attacked. These signals may be useful in environmental monitoring, and they may lead to the development of new medicines.
Despite the risks, wasps are not aggressive animals. Most species are quite curious, and they will not tolerate lethal threats. In fact, when they are stung, other wasps may join the fight.
