How Do Wasps Affect Bees?

During the early autumn months, wasps invade beehives and attack bees, stealing their honey. They also kill bees who are defending their nests. Wasps have long and thin legs, and sting multiple targets.

Wasps are important for controlling insect pests. Several species of social wasps build nests in sheltered areas. These colonies usually include dozens or hundreds of individuals. During the summer, these colonies expand rapidly. They build nests out of paper pulp, mud, or wood fibers. They are then abandoned during the winter.

Many wasps are parasitic. They lay eggs in insects and larvae. These larvae feed on the insect’s body from inside out. The larvae then excrete sugary honeydew. This is a food source for the adults. These wasps are important pest controllers for agriculture. They also use dead bees as a food source for the larvae.

Several species of social wasps are important in controlling insect pests. These wereps control spiders, caterpillars, and greenfly. These wasp colonies build up throughout the summer and fall. Some colonies defend themselves by mobbing wasp attackers. During the winter, the virgin queens abandon the nest and seek shelter.

Yellowjackets are a species of social wasp. They build nests of paper or wax. They are parasitic, and feed on the bodies of other insects. They also scavenge dead insects, carrion, and garbage. These species are a nuisance in many areas.

Wasps are also a significant threat to bees in the garden. They can be quite painful.