Wasps are a common backyard nuisance. From early spring to late fall, these pests populate lawns across Nebraska, building large underground nests.
What do wasps eat? Wasps can be bothersome at backyard picnics, and they may even make gardening difficult as they forage around flowers and fruit.
In our article, we’ll explain the wasp’s diet and what attracts them to your property!
What do Wasps Eat in my Garden?
Like bees, wasps are a common garden pest whenever crops begin to bloom during the summer or early fall.
A wasp’s diet primarily consists of the following:
- Fruit
- Pollen
- Nectar
- Berries
Pollen and nectar are important components of a wasp’s diet. You’ll see them going from flower to flower like bees, consuming the nectar and redistributing pollen.
Many small insects, including wasps and other common backyard pests like ants, feed on sugars. Wasps also enjoy meat from time to time, and will scavenge for meats. Don’t worry, they eat meat that is already dead, so they won’t be hunting for you or your pets.
Wasps will chow down on fallen and decaying fruit found the ground around your bushes and trees, but don’t be surprised if you find them patrolling near the fruit salad at your picnic.
Occasionally, wasps may dine on garden pests like aphids or caterpillars, but they primarily consume insects to redistribute back to developing larvae, according to Clemson University’s Agricultural Extension. They need protein to create eggs, but use sugars as their primary source of energy.
Do Wasps Eat Other Bugs?
What do wasps eat besides nectar? Despite their perception as aggressive predators, wasps primarily use insect protein and other meats for the hive’s larvae.
Wasp larvae feed on insects before maturing into their pupal form. Adult wasps collect different types of insects to provide to the growing young. Some species of wasps preemptively chew the insects before feeding them to the larvae, like mama birds.
Larvae have an important role in the colony, aside from being the future! After digesting their insect meal, wasp larvae produce a sweet waste material from the sugars of the meat that adult wasps eat. Gross, but it’s efficient recycling.
Wasps aren’t picky when it comes to feeding their larvae. Although they may do us a solid by getting rid of destructive or pesky bugs in our gardens, we need other insect populations for balance. Too many wasps can remove crucial pollinators from gardens.
The wasp’s short temper often puts it at odds with it’s environmentally important cousin; the bee! If there is a nearby bee hive, it may be destroyed by wasps. The wasps will invade an active bee colony and take the bees to feed their larvae. For more information on the rivalry between wasps and bees, check out this article from Pest Ideas.
Wasps are drawn to fruit or nectar, but they may consume insects if those become scarce as flowers and berries wane in late fall or early winter.
What Do Wasps Eat at Barbeques and Picnics?
If there aren’t many sources of traditional nectar or fruit based nourishment, wasps might plot to scavenge from your outdoor gatherings. During some parts of the hot summer months, you might see an uptick of wasps buzzing around barbeques.
Expect wasps to try and get a sip of sugary drinks like soda and alcohol, as well as try to carry away meats for their young. Barbeque ribs and chicken are especially attractive to wasps, due to the sugars in most traditional barbeque sauces.
Don’t let wasps ruin your cut fruit! If you have an active wasp hive nearby, be sure to cover your watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, oranges or mixed berries. No one wants a piece of fruit covered in insects.
Many sweet drinks like soda or alcohol attract wasps. If you’re not careful, one of these pests may slip inside your drink when you least expect it. Be sure to keep a tab on your drink, as a stung tongue can ruin even the best of picnics. Be mindful of any beverages with sugars; iced tea, soda, alcohol, juices, etc.
During the hot summer, wasps will eat anything they can get their grubby little hands on.
How to Prevent Wasps in Your Yard
To keep these pests at bay, don’t leave any exposed food on your grass. If you’re having a backyard BBQ, be aware of buzzing insects and cover your grub and drink with a lid.
If you have fruit trees or bushes, clean up fallen or rotting fruit on a regular basis to keep wasps away. While this won’t prevent the wasps from consuming ripe fruit, it will help to decrease the number of insects that may gather around your plants.
To deter wasps from making their forever homes on your property, get rid of brush piles and other possible shelters, like standing water or leafage. As queens look for a hospitable place to establish their nests, they will be on the lookout for sources of food and shelter where they can spend the winter months.
Take precautionary steps to stop wasps from approaching, but the only way to guard yourself against an active hive is with professional help. Wasps are highly aggressive and will attack anyone who gets too close to their nests.
Hire a Pest Control Professional
Many homeowners enjoy using their yards for fun and family time. Wasps shouldn’t ruin the joys of the great outdoors! Whenever these pests take up space on your lawn, give us a call!
If you’re in the greater Omaha or Lincoln areas, Recon Pest Services can remove any dangerous wasps from your yard and help you enjoy your time outdoors again. Contact us today to for a free quote!
