Habitat

Many species of wasps exist world-wide. The common wasp (Yellowjacket in the USA) is one of the main pest species globally.

Biology

Follow a complete metamorphosis life -cycle with distinct egg, larval, pupal and adult stages of development. Perhaps of greatest note, many species of wasps have social order with "Queen" insects and developed "Caste" hierarchy of specialised adult forms. Social insects tend to have highly complex behaviour.

Vespula Sp

Insecta     Hymenoptera    Vespidae

Image Copyright - Aventis Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental Science.

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Pest Status

Control

As with all social insect pests, control of individuals is unlikely to be successful. The reproductive castes must be controlled in order to control the colony. The nest should be located, and treated with residual sprays, dusts or aerosols where appropriate. Where possible, treatment should be avoided as wasps are sometimes beneficial.