Wasps

The various species of wasp fall into one of two main categories, solitary wasps and social wasps. Adult solitary wasps generally live alone and do not construct nests, and all are fertile. Social wasps live in colonies numbering in the thousands and build nests. Generally just the queen and male wasps can mate, while the majority of the colonies’ inhabitants are sterile female workers.

Most wasps have the following characteristics:

• Two pairs of wings
• A stinger (which is only present in females because it derives from the ovipositor, a female sex organ).
• Few or no hairs

Wasps have a hard exoskeleton covering their 3 main body parts. Wasps have a narrow “waist” in their abdomen. Like all insects, wasps have 3 pairs of legs. They also have compound and simple eyes. Generally wasps are parasites as larvae, and feed only on nectar as adults. But many wasps are predatory, preying on other insects.

The queens in colonies generally begin laying fertilized eggs in late spring or early summer.  By summer’s end, the nest may have grown to several thousand wasps.

Wasp nests vary based on species and location. Many social wasps produce paper pulp nests on trees, in attics, holes in the ground or other such sheltered areas with access to the outdoors.  Some wasps build nests from a paper-like substance made from wood pulp. Other species often build nests from mud.

Given the large populations of wasp nests, and the toxicity of wasp venom, it is strongly advised you seek professional assistance in dealing with a wasp nest on your property.