Why Do Wasps Have Any Value?
Despite their reputation as a venomous, stinging pest, some species of wasps play an important role in the natural world. These insects prey on insects and also pollinate flowers. They are also known for their antibiotic properties.
There are more than 7,000 different species of wasps in the UK. Many of these species are social. These wasps build nests in manmade structures, such as fences and buildings.
These wasps are also known for their venom, which contains powerful pain-causing agents. This is one of the most common reasons why people dislike wasps.
The wasps are important because they help balance the ecosystem. They are also beneficial in places where bees are scarce. They are good predators, preying on insects such as flies, caterpillars, spiders, and greenfly. Their venom has antibiotic properties. They can also be helpful in crop agriculture.
These insects are also valuable to humans, as they have high protein levels and are low in ammonia. They are also very low in greenhouse gases, making them a good solution for sustainable food security. In addition, they use less water.
While wasps are still considered a pest, they can also be a good resource for human food. In fact, they are one of the few insect species that are largely eaten across the globe. In fact, they account for 4.8% of all insect species consumed worldwide.
In the UK, social wasps capture 14 million kilograms of insect prey each summer. This is important because insects produce less greenhouse gases.