Wasps are a class of flying stinging insects with over 30,000 different species across the planet. Due to the number of species, it is hard to generalize their appearance and behavior.
Most wasps share a defense mechanism: a sharp, smooth stinger that delivers venom. This can be used for defense as well as for hunting insects. Most wasps are omnivorous, feeding on nectar and insects.
A wasp is classified as any narrow-waisted, flying, stinging insect in the suborder Apocrita of the order Hymenoptera. This is the same suborder as ants and bees. The most common wasps are in the family Vespidae, which includes paper wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets.
Fig wasps have developed exclusive relationships with fig plants. Parasitoid wasps lay eggs inside or on hosts. Wasps range from 2 inches to 139 micrometers, making some the world's smallest known insects.
4 wings (forewings larger), hard exoskeleton, 6 long thin legs. Body segmented into head, mesosoma (thorax), and metasoma (abdomen).
Large mandibles for biting and chewing food or plants. Segments separated by thin waist called the petiole.
Sharp needle at tip of abdomen delivers venom. Can be retracted to sting prey or threats repeatedly.
Species specific. Can include yellow, black, red, brown, orange, green, and blue.
Adulthood typically takes up about 1/3 of a wasp's entire life. Colder temperatures slow egg production, causing colony collapse. Fertile females hatched in fall hibernate over winter to become queens.
Professional inspection ensures your family's safety.
Call (866) 326-2847Lack complex digestion. Rely on nectar, fruit juice, sugary drinks, or sweet secretions from larvae. Forage proteins for larvae to digest.
Find and kill caterpillars, aphids, and other garden bugs to feed young. Larvae have digestive capabilities for proteins.
Excellent hunters. Typically larger and can attack prey directly before eating.
Consume insects to feed themselves and young. Keep harmful garden bugs like caterpillars and aphids in check.
Move flower to flower drinking nectar, accidentally transferring pollen. Some figs and orchids are exclusively wasp-pollinated.
Wasps can retract their stinger, allowing multiple stings extremely quickly. Each strike delivers venom. Different species use their stinger for different reasons.
Primarily use stinger to hunt prey and deliver venom that incapacitates their next meal.
More likely to sting when they feel threatened or when nest is threatened. Still use stinger to attack prey.
The emergence of wasp populations in late spring and early summer means there is likely a new colony nearby. Getting rid of wasps is important, but they can pose serious health threats. Our licensed and trained wasp control experts can find the nest and treat it effectively and safely.
Wasps are notorious for being aggressive and territorial. Their stinger can be retracted and used repeatedly in a very short period, injecting a small amount of venom that causes intense pain and ongoing discomfort.
Wasps are not necessarily a problem unless they pose a threat. They are effective natural pest control for harmful garden pests. However, wasps can swarm and even kill if a group overwhelms its target. Signs of activity should be inspected by professionals.
Wasps serve as pollinators and pest control. Their diet consists of nectar and insects, so they consume harmful insects while spreading pollen as they move from plant to plant.
Social vs Solitary Wasps
Social Wasps (Eusocial)
Solitary Wasps