When we talk about wasps, most of us probably think of the common wasp with black and yellow stripes warning us to keep clear. Even its scientific name, Vespula vulgaris, sounds foreboding. However, the common wasp is just one of more than 9,000 species of wasp in the UK, with the vast majority quietly going about their insect business.

Do we need wasps?

There was a discussion on the bus into the office recently, prompted by an influx of wasps through the open windows. The essence of the conversation was that we’ve got bees for pollination, so wasps are unnecessary.

While the common wasp does have a role in pollination, often transferring pollen while seeking out nectar, it has an important job controlling other invertebrates. Without wasps, we’d be knee-deep in aphids, caterpillars, and flies. They earn the accolade of being the gardener’s friend.

While the wasp larvae are developing in the nest, the adult wasps feed them insects as a high protein food. They also feed on a sugary liquid called honeydew which is excreted by aphids. 

Why are there more wasps this year?

We’ve experienced a very warm summer this year, but the key catalyst for wasp numbers was the very dry spring. Thinking back to last year, we had a particularly wet spring which affected nest success resulting in fewer wasps during the summer.  

So, whilst not based on scientific data and acknowledging that we may feel there are more wasps following a quieter year in 2024, there does seem to be an uplift. 

The Big Wasp Survey is currently underway which may be an ideal citizen science project to join if you don’t mind the company of wasps. 

How long are wasps active?

Wasps will continue to be active through late summer and into autumn, seeking out nectar but also finding other sources of opportunistic sugar. This is when our picnics become attractive.

In my garden, the wasps are attracted to the fruit that falls from our apple and pear trees. I tend to leave some of the fruit for the birds and insects but, if the fruit starts to rot and ferment, it can become quite potent for the wasps. 

This brings a new hazard from tipsy wasps!

Is it definitely a wasp?

There are several species that mimic the yellow and black warning stripes of the common wasp, to aid their own survival. They’ve got some fantastic names too, including the Batman hoverfly and bumblebee mimic. 

Hoverflies carry out an important role in pollination but have seen significant population declines. They are often mistaken for wasps, bees, and even hornets.

The decline in hoverflies is indicative of the fortunes of many of our flying insects and, while species like the common wasp may not be everyone’s favourite, they are an indicator for the health of our local environment.

What can I do to help keep wasps happy (and away from my picnic)?

When picnicking, if it’s in a busy wasp area, I usually sacrifice a sweet treat away from our spot to keep wasps occupied. Keeping food covered also helps. 

At home, planting nectar-rich plants helps pollinators and other flying insects to find good sources of food and shelter. 

If you’re feeling inspired to do more for pollinators (and wasps), there is more information on the Wild About Gardens website.

Wild About Gardens