Where Are Wasps Most Commonly Found?

Approximately 30,000 species of wasps exist worldwide, and most of these are solitary insects. Some are social and have nests containing thousands of individuals. They prey on insects, flies, and other pests for food.

The social wasps have a queen that builds a small nest. She then breeds workers to expand the colony. A single worker female may produce as many as 5,000 individuals. The nest is typically built above the ground, and the queen hibernates in an accessible storage space. These colonies die off in the winter. In the spring, the queen will begin laying eggs in multiple six-sided cells.

The social wasps can be found in homes, and most are found in protected areas. Some nest on awnings, trees, or other buildings. They are attracted to properties that have easy access to food and water.

The bald-faced hornet is a member of the wasp family. These hornets are mostly found in tropical areas of Asia and Africa. They are not as aggressive as the yellow jackets, but they are considered a pest. They sting frequently.

The European hornet is a large social wasp. It builds a nest in a cavity in a tree or building. The nest is covered with a papery shell. It is found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The hornet is a beneficial insect, and is known to consume bees and other insects.

Digger wasps are small, bluish-black insects. They are primarily predators of moths and caterpillars, but they are also known to be pest removers.