Wasps are a common sight throughout the summer, but you might be wondering exactly what they do and how wasps benefit the environment.
The short answer is that wasps eat many other insects, acting as natural pest control. Additionally, they are pollinators that help flowers and plants to flourish.
Still, that doesn’t mean that wasps don’t cause issues. Some wasp species build large nests which can cause significant issues, which is why Pest-Tech provides wasp nest removal services throughout Maidstone and Kent. Our experts have put together this guide to help you understand the purpose of wasps.
How Do Wasps Help Us?
While bees are often the species that gets the most attention for being good for the ecosystem and humans, wasps are also very useful.
There are more than 9000 wasp species found in the UK, most of which are solitary wasps. These wasps live alone for most of their lives, and usually nest underground and don’t bother humans.
The most prevalent wasp species in the UK is the aptly-named common wasp, a social wasp species that builds a large nest.
Common wasps, along with many other species, are predatory and will prey on insects and other invertebrates, including aphids, caterpillars and spiders. Most adult wasps don’t eat other insects, but instead take them back to their nest for the wasp larvae, which need protein to grow. Learn more about larvae and other wasp life cycle stages in our guide: The Life Cycle Of A Wasp.
Since the insects that the wasps prey on often eat important plants, wasps can be considered a natural form of pest control for many gardeners.
Do Wasps Pollinate?
While you might know that bees are good at pollination, you might not realise that wasps are also pollinators.
Wasps might not have as much fuzzy hair as many bee species, which use this to trap pollen, adult wasps eat nectar, and will fly from plant to plant, depositing pollen as they go.
Some plants rely entirely on wasps for their pollination, so wasps play a crucial role in many habitats throughout the UK.
Why Can Wasps Sting More Than Once?
Many people may know that wasps can sting multiple times without dying, whereas bees can usually only sting once in their lives.
This is because wasps have smooth stingers with no barbs on them, which can slip in and out of the skin while staying attached to the wasp.
Bee stingers are barbed, meaning they get stuck in the skin and pull out of the bee’s body. In some cases, the barb may not get stuck, but this often happens, killing the bee.
As such, most wasps are considered more aggressive than bees, especially when threatened, and they will often sting multiple times if they feel their nest is under attack. Learn more in our guide: What’s The Difference Between Wasps And Bees?
Only female wasps can sting, as the wasp stinger is a modified egg-laying organ called a ovipositor. Female wasps make up most of the colony, and are known as worker wasps, who gather food and often protect the nest when they find someone near it.
When Are Wasps A Pest?
As mentioned above, most of the wasp species found in the UK are solitary wasps, which live alone for most of their lives and don’t cause any issues for humans.
Social wasp species, such as common wasps, German wasps and European hornets build large nests, made from chewed wood pulp mixed with wasp saliva.
These social wasp nests are often built inside tight spaces, such as wall cavities, chimneys, garden sheds and other areas close to humans.
If a wasp nest is built on your property, then you might be at risk of painful stings, which can also cause anaphylactic shock if you’re allergic to wasps.
Also, wasp nests can damage your property, especially if they’re built inside walls. While wasps use each nest for only one season, empty wasp nests can be taken over by other insects, meaning it’s important that you get them removed.
What To Do If You Find A Wasp Nest On Your Property
If you find signs of a wasp nest on your property, but the nest isn’t in the way, such as in a tree branch or a hedge, then it is best to leave the nest alone.
Wasps will help the local ecosystem and are unlikely to come close to you, especially if you avoid keeping food uncovered and remove fallen fruit from your garden.
However, if you find a large common wasp nest inside your property, or in an area where people often go, then you can book professional pest control to remove the nest.
Wasps are one of the most common insects that bite and sting found in the UK, and they can cause significant distress and property damage if they build nests inside your property.
Dealing with wasps yourself can be highly dangerous, which is why the task should only be undertaken by experienced pest controllers. You can find out more about Pest-Tech’s approach to wasp nest removal in our guide: How To Remove A Wasp Nest.
Pest-Tech has the skills to remove active or empty wasp nests, ensuring the safety of you and your property. We offer cost-effective services, so read our wasp nest removal cost guide or contact us on 01892 871 008 or by emailing office@nightshiftpestcontrol.co.uk to get a bespoke quote for your Kent wasp nest treatment.