How Good Are Wasps?

Whether you love them or hate them, wasps are fascinating insects. They are important for the ecosystem. They feed on a variety of insects including beetle larvae, crickets, caterpillars, flies, ants, and spiders. They also pollinate plants.

Wasps are a type of stinging insect. Their venom contains a pheromone that tells other wasps that they are under attack. They are also a valuable biological control agent, especially for farmers.

Social wasps, like the yellow-jacket, capture and control insects. They build nests in manmade structures such as buildings, trees, and fences. Some social wasps, like the hornet, also sting humans. Their colonies are considered annoying pests.

They are also known for stinging and can cause discomfort. If they sting you, you can try applying a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. If you experience extreme reactions, you may want to go to the emergency room.

Social wasps have a complex social structure. Their colony has a queen, a male, and a group of workers. They communicate through intricate means to gather food and build the nest. They also raise young larvae and sisters to serve as workers. The queen lay eggs that are destined for the males.

The venom of social wasps contains a compound called mastoparan. This compound has cancer-cell-killing properties. It is also found in bees and other insects. Its primary purpose is to preferentially target cancerous cells.

Wasps also have a sweet tooth. They are attracted to rotting fruit and sweet smells. They often congregate around trash cans, and picnic areas.