Included in the Vespa genus, the wasp is the largest and most aggressive member of the wasp family (Vespidae) with the largest species reaching a length of 5.5 cm. While there are many insects that are misclassified as wasps, there are only 20 native wasp species in the world. The reason why the wasp has a class of its own, is not only because of their aggressiveness but because the poison in some wasps, such as the Asian giant hornet, is not only extremely painful but also deadly. The best way to avoid getting stung is to find out if you are near a wasp by identifying the nest or the wasp by looking at it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing a Wasp's Nest
Step 1. Observe an oval-shaped and gray object made of paper
Although not real paper, the object is made of a paper-like material made of wasp saliva and wood. The nest houses the eggs, and the wasps are very protective of their homes and eggs. Therefore, stay away from the wasp's nest as they will perceive you as a threat.
- While initially small and resembling a honeycomb, as the colony grows, the hive enlarges to an oval shape resembling a rugby ball, stalactite, or inverted teardrop.
- By simply identifying the nest structure, you can narrow down the order of insects around you. However, you cannot determine exactly what type of insect it is.
- Paper wasps also use paper-like materials, but their nests do not have a layer of paper to cover and protect the nest.
Step 2. Look for nests outside and above in a protected area
Wasps build their nests in open spaces and are usually far above the ground, such as trees, power lines, or shrubs. Wasps also build nests on eaves and under decks.
- Often the nest is not seen until autumn comes when the leaves fall and reveal the nest hidden behind the leaves. By then most of the wasps are dead or dying, leaving the queen wasp to hibernate and live through the winter.
- In contrast, yellow jacket wasp nests are often found near the ground, underground or in any crevice that can be found, such as between walls or even in mattresses.
- Some wasps that build their nests high above the ground are incorrectly classified as wasps. The North American white-faced wasp (Dolichovespula Maculata) is actually a species of wasp, as is the Australian wasp (Abispa ephippium), which is a sub-species of transport.
Step 3. Estimate the amount
Wasp colonies can number up to 700 individuals. If the nest looks large, which you think can hold thousands of individuals, it's likely a yellow jacket wasp nest. Observing the nest from a safe distance is key to determining whether the insect is a wasp or a yellow jacket wasp.
Whether small or large, treat the hive by contacting an expert. They need to know the size of the nest, so the more information you can provide, the better equipped they are to handle it
Method 2 of 2: Identifying Wasps by Seeing It
Step 1. Observe the characteristics of the wasps
Wasps, like wasps, have a small waist between the thorax and abdomen. This physical feature is known as a "wasp waist." This characteristic distinguishes the wasp from the bee family, which has a large waist between the thorax and abdomen.
Step 2. Look for black and white
Unlike bees, which have black and yellow-brown colors, and some other members of the wasp family, such as the yellow jacket wasp and mud dauber, which have bright yellow and black colors, most wasps are black and white.
However, some species, such as the yellow wasp and the European wasp, have different colors so it is important to look at the "waist" of the insect
Step 3. Notice the difference in size between wasps and wasps
One of the main differences between wasps and wasps that can be easily recognized from close and far is their size. For example, the only real wasps in the US and Canada are the European hornets, which can reach about 2.5-3.8 cm in length. The maximum size of a paper wasp or yellow jacket is 2.5 cm and is usually smaller than that.
Wasps, like wasps, have six legs and two pairs of wings
Step 4. Distinguish further the body characteristics of the wasp
Unlike other members of the wasp family, the part of the abdomen closest to the thorax, called the stomach, is more rounded in wasps than in other wasps. This area should be the first one you look at when you need further clarification on whether the insect you saw was a wasp or a wasp.
Step 5. Note the width of the head behind the eyes
This section, called the vertex, is wider, in terms of overall body size, in wasps than in other members of the wasp family.
Step 6. Notice if the insect's wings are folded along its body
Although some members of the wasp family fold their wings along the body when at rest, this feature is another indicator to help determine which insect you're seeing wasps or wasps.
Step 7. Notice if there are any thorns on the stinger
Bee stings have spines, causing the bee's abdomen to tear when it stings the target, which also kills the bee. In contrast, wasps, like other members of the wasp family, have spineless stingers, so wasps can sting repeatedly without losing the sting.
While this can help distinguish between a wasp or wasp and a bee, if you are this close, you should walk away quietly
Tips
- The yellow jacket is NOT a species of bee, but a wasp that nests in the ground.
- The queen wasp, which spawns the worker wasps that work to enlarge the nest, is the one that finds the wasp's nest. At low temperatures, worker wasps and males die in late autumn, leaving the queen wasp the only one to survive the winter.
- Wasp nests are shaped like open beehives and can be found anywhere the wasps can find them, such as porches, tree branches, lights, or even above ground. Wasp nests are not covered with paper.
- In addition to eating other insects that are considered nuisance, some wasps prey on bees.
- Wasps usually do not fly near flowers or pollinate flowers. However, some species, such as the white-faced wasp, are attracted to autumn flowers such as the goldenrod.
- Wasps aren't as attracted to the sugars in food and drink as the yellow jackets do in late summer. The wasps' main diet is other insects and caterpillars.
- The European wasp, or Vespa crabro, is the only wasp that is not aggressive and usually prefers to bite humans rather than sting when cornered or restrained.
Warning
- Wasps are attracted to the sweat and run of humans. So if you're running from the wasps, they'll come after you, and more than likely, send out pheromones signaling others to come after you.
- Do not get close to the wasp nest or threaten the wasps. Better just shut up.
- Through communication with pheromones, wasps have the ability to sting targets en masse, making wasps a formidable and fearsome foe.
- An allergy to bee venom does not make you automatically allergic to wasp or wasp venom; if in doubt, test for an allergic reaction to wasp venom before you explore the area the wasps visit.
- If wasps are around you, stay away. Don't swing an object at him, block him, or annoy him in any way. If it feels attacked, the wasps will attack back and signal to other wasps in the nest to attack.
- If you must kill a wasp, do so as far away from the nest as possible and away from the nest after doing so. The alarm pheromones that the wasp sends out when attacked can transfer to your skin or clothing and will attract other wasps until you wash or dispose of them.
- Painful or dangerous stings are caused by large amounts of acetylcholine.
- Since wasps are members of the wasp family, if you are allergic to wasp sting venom, you are also allergic to wasp sting venom. If you are in an area where wasps live, bring an adrenaline ejector device, such as an EpiPen, and visit a hospital as soon as possible after being stung.
