You may not be thrilled to see wasps and hornets in your garden, even though a healthy garden is home to a wide variety of insects. What should you do if you discover hornet and wasp nests?
Stings from these insects can cause swelling and allergic reactions in humans and are often painful. For this reason, you should avoid contact with wasps and hornets if possible. Wasps, like bees, play an important role in pollination, but they also help control pest populations by eating other insects (such as caterpillars and aphids). Hornets are also beneficial insects in the garden. Discover helpful tips for dealing with these animals below!
How do hornets and wasps live?
You'll see more of these insects in your garden as the summer progresses. Hornet and wasp colonies have a tiny initial population in the spring that grows steadily throughout the summer and peaks in early fall. But there's no reason to worry: The entire colony disperses at the first sign of cold weather - or in milder areas, as the days get shorter.
The fact that wasp nests are temporary, annual structures is new to many newbies. When the weather warms up again in spring, a young queen who has spent the winter underground or under the bark of a tree begins to build a new nest. She begins laying eggs and raising her young independently. Wasp and hornet queens specialize in laying eggs - when the workers become adults, they take on these tasks and expand the nest, forage for food and feed the larvae.
During this process the number of workers continues to grow. At the end of the season, one or more young queens emerge from the nest, find a male to mate with, and then seek shelter for the winter. The colony's original queen and all colonists perish as the settlement grinds to a halt. The annual cycle begins again the following spring. Remember that the destroyed nest will never be used again.
Hornet and wasp nests – beneficial insects in the garden
Compared to wasps, hornets are more peaceful. However, hornets have a bad reputation for being dangerous and aggressive. A hornet's entire world revolves around its nest. They are very busy caring for and feeding their young as long as they do not feel threatened. The young are not fed the sweets that attract wasps and other insect pests, such as cakes, pies, ice cream and soda. Hornets are beneficial insects in the garden and provide the brood with mosquitoes, moths and other insects as food. The adults feed on rotting fruit, honeydew and nectar.
Wasps are good for the ecosystem. They eat a variety of harmful insects including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, whiteflies and more. They also collect and dispose of insect carcasses. They are also important for plant reproduction as they spread pollen. There would be no wine if it had not been recently discovered that wasps are responsible for transporting yeast spores to grapes that initiate fermentation. Wasps would be one of the gardener's best friends if they weren't so intrusive. These insects are hostile and will attack anyone who disturbs them, especially if you get too close to their nests. Under no circumstances should you accidentally mow down a wasp nest because, unlike bees, each wasp can attack multiple times.
A hornet does not approach a person or sting him without reason. She always reacts to danger. Hornets defend their nests in dangerous ways. When threatened, they sting with their poisonous spines. However, hornet stings are neither more painful nor more dangerous than stings from wasps or bees. However, a puncture in the throat or mouth can be fatal. The poison causes the mucous membranes and tongue to swell, which can lead to suffocation. For allergy sufferers, each bite can be life-threatening. In the event of a hornet sting, you should always be prepared to quickly self-medicate with adrenaline, cortisone and antihistamines.
What should you do if you find a nest in your yard?
Hornet and wasp nests in the garden or near the house can cause a lot of trouble. Because wasps are ecologically important, it is illegal to remove or relocate their nests without good reason. First of all, you should be aware that hornets are critically endangered species. The Federal Species Protection Ordinance places them under special protection. Without the appropriate permit, it is forbidden to remove hornet nests - this can be punished with a fine of up to 50,000 euros.Also the killingof these insects is prohibited.
If you discover a wasp or hornet nest, it is best (and safest) to do nothing unless the nest is in a location where it poses a danger to people, pets, or livestock.
Tips for dealing with wasp and hornet nests
- Keep a wide distance.
- Avoid getting too close to the nest or making sudden movements near it.
- Do not touch the nests.
- Keep the flight path clear.
- Protect the windows and doors of your home with fly screens.
Use natural repellents
Peppermint oil is a safe and effective way to keep the insects away. Use cotton swabs or tissues to apply the oil. Place the oiled pieces anywherewhere waspsand hornets could get in, for example between sheds, patio roofs and other openings. The strong smell of the oil drives away the insects and makes your house insect-free. You can also use other essential oils such as cinnamon, clove, lemongrass or geranium to keep the animals away.
Preventive measures against hornets and wasps
To prevent hornets from feasting on your waste, you should always cover your garbage cans. During the warmer months of the year, hornets feed on sugary treats such as fruit and flower petals. If you plan to spend the afternoon outdoors, avoid wearing strong-smelling perfumes.
Reduce the number of bird feeders in your yard that are bright colors like yellow and red. Birdhouses, feeders, and other outdoor structures can be protected from hornets by rubbing the underside with soap.
Don't forget that wasps and hornets are actually beneficial insects in the garden. It's best to leave the insects alone because it's against the law to remove or destroy the nests.
Here you will findhelpful home remediesagainst wasps!
