Like most people I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for bees but will run around in circles screaming when I see a wasp. To be fair I was stung by a wasp when I was a child so I do have that as an excuse. Sadly wasps, like sharks, have been much maligned for years but they’re incredibly important for a healthy eco-system.
UK Wasp Facts
- The UK has hundreds of different types of wasp
- Social wasps such as the hornets and yellow-jackets live in colonies similar to those of honey bees and ants
- Yellow-jackets are the size of honey bees, with black and bright yellow markings. They build nests in the ground, logs or building walls or attics. Their stings are painful, but they’re usually not aggressive except when disturbed at the nest.
- German wasps are very similar in appearance to the yellow-jacket, though very slightly bigger.
- Hornets build large nests of a paper-like material made from chewed wood mixed with saliva. They can sting when the nest is disturbed or threatened.
– Scientists: Why We Should Appreciate Wasps
Why Wasps are Important
Pollination
Admittedly they aren’t as good at pollinating as bees as they’re less hairy so they can’t carry as much pollen on themselves, but they do help with pollination. In fact without the Fig wasp fig trees wouldn’t exist at all as they are its only pollinator.
Pest Control
Wasps have to eat and fortunately for us they seek out aphids, flies, caterpillars and other bugs. Without wasps being natural pest controllers we would probably be using even more harmful pesticides than we do already to stop insects from munching on our crops. My personal view here is if you do see evidence of insects eating your plants you should celebrate because every single insect is important considering the massive decline in the insect population over the last few years. It’s also evidence that you have an insect friendly garden.
Here’s a fantastic little film (only 3 minutes) about wasps, which would be particularly good to show to your children if they’re a bit afraid of wasps. – VIDEO What if all the wasps disappeared?
Wasps should be appreciated, and protected, just like bees. Next time you see one, be grateful for its contribution to a healthy planet and leave it to get on with its important work. I’m going to try not to run around in circles screaming the next time I see one!
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