Wasps – What Are They and Where Are They Coming From?
WouterUnlike bees, wasps don’t normally attack humans. Instead, they will attack anything in their vicinity. They can even sting several times.
Wasps are insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera. Their mouthparts are a series of tubes that sucking liquid. The most common wasp species feed on fruit juices and honeydew from plants.
Wasps can be beneficial, as they help control insects. The paper wasp is an example. It builds a small nest. The nest is made up of hexagonal open combs.
Wasps are also good pollinators. They capture greenfly and caterpillars. Social wasps are also important pollinators. They capture 14 million kilograms of insect prey in the UK every summer.
Wasps are also good at controlling insect pests in agricultural crops. They build nests in the eaves of buildings and around garage beams. They can also enter homes through small gaps. Sealing those holes can help keep them out.
A wasp’s main function is to carry food back to its nest. The larvae of some wasps feed on insects brought in by female workers. The larvae burrow into spiders, a feat that keeps them alive for a long time.
The CDC reported 1,109 deaths from wasp stings in 2000-2017. Besides being an unpleasant nuisance, wasps can also cause anaphylactic shock. To avoid future problems, identify which species are present and remove their nests.
The CDC also reported that wasps are capable of stinging you several times. The best way to get rid of them is to remove the food they like and seal any entry points.
