Wasps

Pest or Vermin: 
Wasps

Almost every pest insect species has at least one wasp
species that preys upon it or parasitizes it, making wasps
critically important in natural control
of their numbers, or natural biocontrol.

Appearance: 
The following characteristics are present in most wasps: Colouration: mainly Yellow and Black. Two pairs of wings (except wingless or brachypterous forms in all female Mutillidae, Bradynobaenidae, many male Agaonidae, many female Ichneumonidae, Braconidae, Tiphiidae, Scelionidae, Rhopalosomatidae, Eupelmidae, and various other families). An ovipositor, or stinger (which is only present in females because it derives from the ovipositor, a female sex organ). Few or no thickened hairs (in contrast to bees); except Mutillidae, Bradynobaenidae, Scoliidae. Nearly all wasps are terrestrial; only a few specialized parasitic groups are aquatic. Predators or parasitoids, mostly on other terrestrial insects; most species of Pompilidae (e.g. tarantula hawks), specialize in using spiders as prey, and various parasitic wasps use spiders or other arachnids as reproductive hosts. A pair of talons
Food: 
Generally, wasps are parasites or parasitoids as larvae, and feed on nectar only as adults. Many wasps are predatory, using other insects (often paralyzed) as food for their larvae.
Habitat: 
Wasps build their nests in a variety of places, often choosing sunny spots. Nests are commonly located in holes underground, along riverbanks or small hillocks, attached to the side of walls, trees or plants, or underneath floors or eaves of houses. Wasp nests are most easily found on sunny days at dawn or dusk as the low light levels make it easier to spot the wasps flying in and out of their nests. Wasps will attack and sting humans, particularly if threatened, so care should be taken around wasps and their nests. Wasp nests found in dangerous places (such as in houses or in commonly used public spaces) should be reported to the local council or pest control service for removal.
Breeding: 
Wasps do not reproduce via mating flights like bees. Instead social wasps reproduce between a fertile queen and male wasp; in some cases queens may be fertilized by the sperm of several males. After successfully mating, the male's sperm cells are stored in a tightly packed ball inside the queen. The sperm cells are kept stored in a dormant state until they are needed the following spring. At a certain time of the year (often around autumn), the bulk of the wasp colony dies away, leaving only the young mated queens alive. During this time they leave the nest and find a suitable area to hibernate for the winter.Queens emerge in April and are active until November. Nest construction is similar in both species. New queens over-winter in outbuildings, attics, etc. Nests are often in the same location every year but old nests are not used, new ones are built
Diseases: 
No disease is passed to man but it is a can be aggressive insect in defence of its nest - it often stings humans if trapped inside clothing or in defence.
Damage: 
They will infest cake and confectionery production / retail outlets. They will also spoil fruit in orchards. They can be a major hazard in sugar, jam and fruit juice factories and are a pest in beer gardens and on the beach.