How Do Wasps Work Alone?
WouterBesides being a very effective insect hunter, wasps are also beneficial pollinators of plants. They eat harmful flies and are important in keeping gardens free of pest insects.
There are two types of wasps, social and solitary. Social wasps live in colonies. The nest is usually built underground or in a rock crevice. The female lays eggs, and the young wasps take over the nest when they are mature.
Solitary wasps, on the other hand, do not live in colonies. They are only active for a few weeks each season. They do not aggressively defend their nests and are not aggressive to humans. They are usually harmless to humans, but they can be quite painful.
Depending on the species, wasps can sting several times. They can also be aggressive when they feel threatened. However, only female wasps can sting. Unlike hornets and other aggressive wasps, they do not die after stinging.
Social wasps have colonies that can contain thousands of individuals. They prefer hollow trees, manmade structures, and rock crevices for nesting. During summer, the workers emerge from their nests. They feed on prey and lay eggs. They lay their eggs in a small comb. These combs are often made from plant material, salivary secretions, or paper.
Unlike social wasps, solitary wasps do not build nests. They will lay their eggs on the body of another wasp. They will also sting to protect themselves. They rarely cause problems in homes, but they do not live very long.
