Wasps
Wasps are insects of the order Hymenoptera, distinct from bees and ants. They play a vital role in natural pest control, as most pest insect species have at least one wasp predator or parasite. Parasitic wasps are particularly important in agriculture, where they help manage pest populations without harming crops.
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Wasps can be categorized into two types:
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Solitary Wasps: Operate alone and typically do not build nests. All solitary wasps are fertile.
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Social Wasps: Live in colonies that can number in the thousands. These wasps build nests, with only the queen and males reproducing, while sterile female workers maintain the colony.
Nesting Habits
Wasp nesting habits vary by species. Social wasps often build paper pulp nests in trees, attics, or other sheltered areas, using wood fibers mixed with saliva to create comb-like structures. These nests house brood cells for rearing young.
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Solitary wasps, on the other hand, are either parasitic or predatory and rarely construct nests. If they do, the nests are typically burrows in soil or mud-built structures. Unlike bees, wasps do not produce wax; instead, they rely on natural materials like wood pulp or mud to create their nests.
Understanding wasps’ nesting behavior is essential for controlling infestations effectively and safely.