What Do Wasps Do?

Wasps might not be the most popular insect, for many of us, the sight of a wasp circling our drink on a sunny afternoon is enough to send us running. They’re often thought of as nothing more than a summertime nuisance, buzzing around barbecues and picnics. But ask the question “What do wasps do?” and the answer might surprise you.

Far from being pointless pests, wasps play an essential role in our ecosystems. They are natural pest controllers, accidental pollinators, and integral to a complex web of biodiversity that maintains our environment's balance. In the UK alone, thousands of wasp species exist, from the familiar common wasp to the elusive solitary wasp, each with its unique place in nature.

In this blog, we’ll explore the real purpose of wasps, from their diets and stings to their social lives and the key differences between wasps and bees, and uncover why these often misunderstood insects deserve a little more appreciation.

What is the Point of Wasps?

In the summer, when wasps are flying all around you trying to get a taste of your sugary treat, the question 'what is the point of wasps' is flying through your head - and we get it. But, in reality, wasps are incredibly important.

Social wasps are predators and are ecological marvels. Their main role is controlling the number of potential pests (their insect prey!). It is estimated that social wasps account for 14 kilograms of insect pests.

Rather than thinking of adult wasps as a pest, it's time to start understanding the impact they have on the environment around us. Like many other insects, wasps are in decline, so they really do need our help!

Are Wasps Pollinators?

Yes, when searching for nectar, wasps become accidental pollinators. This means that as they travel from plant to plant searching for nectar, they are transferring pollen.

Wasp pollination may not be as substantial as that of the humble bee, but it is still important!

Social Wasps

When we identify wasps, the ones we see the most often are social wasps; this means that they live in colonies consisting of mostly sterile female worker wasps, a female egg-laying Queen, and male wasps (who take no part in the social structure of the colony).

With over 7,000 wasp species, the social wasp only makes up just a tiny fraction of the overall wasp diversity. Most wasps are solitary wasps, with a few species practically microscopic!

In late spring, when the Queen Wasp emerges from hibernation, the social species develop their common wasp nest, using wood fibres that are collected and mixed with water.

The Queen will rear the first set of wasps alone, and from then on, the female wasps will begin working, collecting food, defending the nest, and looking after their queen and wasp larvae.

What do Wasps Eat?

Social adult wasps don't eat their prey; instead, they chop it up, take it back to the nest, and feed it to the young. Some solitary species sting their prey to paralyse them, and the larvae eat them alive.

Instead of eating insects, adult wasps feed on sugar-rich foods, like nectar and honeydew. This would explain why during the summer all those adult wasps are fighting over your sugary treat!

The larvae also produce sugary droplets that feed the adults; however, when there are no larvae, they must look for alternative sources of food.

Wasps Vs Bees

At first glance, wasps and bees look quite similar; both are buzzing, stinging insects that tend to make people nervous. But a closer look reveals clear differences. Bees are usually rounder, fuzzier, and built for collecting pollen, while wasps have slimmer, smoother bodies with narrow waists that give them a sleeker appearance. This difference in body type reflects their lifestyles: bees are dedicated pollinators, while wasps are hunters and scavengers.

Behaviorally, bees are generally less aggressive and sting only when provoked. Their barbed stingers mean most bees can sting once and then die. Wasps, however, have smooth stingers that allow them to sting multiple times, which makes encounters with them more intimidating. This doesn’t mean wasps are out to get people; they typically sting in defense of themselves or their nest.

In terms of ecological roles, bees are essential pollinators, transferring pollen from flower to flower and supporting global food production. Wasps also pollinate to some extent, but their biggest contribution lies in pest control. They hunt insects like caterpillars, flies, and spiders, which helps maintain balance in ecosystems and even benefits farmers.

Wasps Stings

Wasps use their stings to subdue their prey and defend their nest and themselves. Sometimes, wasps do sting humans; this is usually only if they see you as posing a threat to them.

Unlike honeybees, wasps don't die when they sting - this is because their stingers are smooth and can be pulled out of the skin by the insect.

Common Types of Wasps

• Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) – The most widespread species in the UK, the common wasp is known for its bold black-and-yellow stripes. They build paper-like nests in trees, on roofs, and underground burrows. These wasps are notorious for buzzing around food in late summer, but they also control garden pests.

• German Wasp (Vespula germanica) – Very similar in appearance to the common wasp, German wasps can be identified by the black dots on their face. They are also widespread across the UK and often build nests in lofts, sheds, and wall cavities.

• Tree Wasp (Dolichovespula sylvestris) – Slightly slimmer than the common and German wasps, they often nest in shrubs, trees, or even bird boxes. While they can sting, they are less likely to cause problems unless disturbed.

• Hornets (Vespa crabro) – The native European hornet is the UK’s largest social wasp. Though their size and loud buzz can be intimidating, hornets are usually less aggressive than common wasps and play an important role in controlling insects.

• Solitary Wasps - species like mud daubers and digger wasps are far less noticeable than their social cousins. They don’t live in colonies and rarely sting, but they are highly effective natural pest controllers.