Aside from insect geeks like myself, most people searching for information on wasps are looking for ways to get rid of them. Or maybe people want to identify the menacing insect flying near where they and their children are spending some outdoor time. I could be wrong, but I imagine the majority of people aren’t looking up wasps because they’re fascinated by their life cycles.
Maybe you’re here because you were looking for extermination tips, and you’re about to click away. Hear me out. The vast majority of wasp species you encounter are not aggressive. Many of them are kind of cool, and keep plant-eating insects from overgrazing your garden. They can be pretty cool. Except yellowjackets.
All insects have double lives. They have one life as larvae, and another as adults. Wasps, as larvae, eat other animals, mostly other insects. The adults are largely pollinators, but they have to feed that next generation. That’s why I see mason wasps picking little green caterpillars off of my pepper plants, or paper wasps snagging monarch caterpillars. I don’t love the monarch and bee killers, but they help create balance in my backyard ecosystem.
As much as possible, every wasp is listed with its host animal. As with our bee and fly pages, I’ll keep adding species as I see them in my yard or out in the wild here in the Florida panhandle.
Florida’s warm climate makes it an ideal environment for many types of wasps to thrive throughout the year. From large, aggressive hornets to tiny, solitary wasps, there are over 40 species of these stinging insects that can be encountered in the Sunshine State.
Some of the most frequently seen wasps in Florida include
Paper Wasps
Paper wasps belong to the genus Polistes and are among the most common types of wasps in Florida There are at least 12 different Polistes species found in the state
These wasps have long, slender bodies and build open, umbrella-shaped nests made of chewed wood pulp and saliva. Their nests often contain hexagonal cells and are usually attached to branches, walls, or under eaves.
Some paper wasps like the dark paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus) and ringed paper wasp (Polistes annularis) can be quite aggressive in defending their nests. However most Polistes wasps are relatively docile and mainly come into conflict with humans when their nests are disturbed.
Yellowjackets
Several species of yellowjackets live in Florida, including the southern yellowjacket (Vespula squamosa), eastern yellowjacket (Vespula maculifrons), and Florida yellowjacket (Vespula floridana).
Yellowjackets have typical wasp-like bodies with black and yellow markings. They build large, enclosed paper nests, often underground or hidden in trees, rock piles, voids, and man-made structures.
These wasps have very defensive colonies that viciously attack anything perceived as a threat. They can sting repeatedly and are responsible for most of the stinging incidents involving wasps in Florida.
Hornets
Two species of hornets can be found in Florida – the bald-faced hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) and the European hornet (Vespa crabro).
Hornets are larger than typical wasps and aggressively guard their football-shaped gray paper nests which hang from trees and buildings. Both hornet species have ivory and black markings but can be identified by size, with European hornets being significantly bigger.
Hornets will repeatedly sting if their nest is disturbed and have more toxic venom than other stinging insects. However, they are less aggressive than yellowjackets when away from the nest.
Mud Daubers
Mud daubers belong to several genera including Trypoxylon, Sceliphron, and Chalybion. These solitary wasps build nests out of mud which they use to provision their young.
Their tube-like or urn-shaped mud nests are often seen under eaves, ledges, rafters, and similar sheltered spots. Mud daubers paralyze spiders and other insects to place in the nest cells as food sources.
Mud daubers are non-aggressive and rarely sting unless handled roughly. Their presence helps control nuisance insects like spiders and crickets.
Potter Wasps
Potter wasps like the fraternal potter wasp (Eumenes fraternus) and organ pipe mud dauber (Trypoxylon politum) create tiny pot-shaped mud nests which they attach to walls, trees, and structures.
The female wasp fills each pot with paralyzed caterpillars or spiders before laying an egg inside and sealing the chamber. She repeats the process, making rows of pots. The larvae hatch and feed on the provisions left for them.
Potter wasps are solitary and essentially non-aggressive. They help control caterpillars, beetles, and spiders around gardens and homes.
Cicada Killer Wasps
The cicada killer wasp (Sphecius speciosus) is the largest wasp in Florida, growing over 1.5 inches long. These intimidating insects are solitary digger wasps that nest in burrows in the ground.
The female cicada killer paralyzes cicadas with her sting and carries them back to her burrow, where she lays an egg on the cicada for her offspring to feed on when it hatches. Despite their fearsome appearance, cicada killers rarely sting unless harassed.
Parasitoid Wasps
Florida is also home to thousands of tiny parasitoid wasps in the superfamilies Chalcidoidea and Ichneumonoidea. There are over 500 Ichneumonidae species alone in the state.
These wasps lay their eggs inside or on other insects like caterpillars, flies, beetles, and cockroach egg cases. The larvae hatch and consume the host insect from the inside out.
Parasitoid wasps are extremely small, less than 0.2 inches long, and many are important for biological pest control. Their presence helps suppress destructive insect populations.
Avoiding Problems with Wasps
The most important tip for avoiding issues with stinging insects like wasps is not to disturb their nests. Never swat at wasps and walk away slowly if you encounter any flying around.
Seal up possible nest access points in walls, attics, and sheds. Make sure trash receptacles have tight-fitting lids.
If a wasp nest is discovered on your property, do not attempt removal yourself. Hire a licensed pest control professional to treat nests, especially those of highly defensive species like yellowjackets and hornets.
While wasps can certainly be pests, the majority are not aggressive unless provoked. And many species are highly beneficial in Florida landscapes, where they prey on harmful insects and pollinate plants. A little caution and common sense goes a long way in coexisting with these misunderstood creatures.
Pollinators of a North Florida Backyard
WFSU Ecology Producer Rob Diaz de Villegas has extensively photographed insects in his yard and other north Florida locales. The following pages include the most common species you might see in your yard, which is a surprisingly diverse lot, as well as a few rare or specialized forest species.
Thynnidae: Thinnid Flower Wasps
Wasps in the genus Myzinum feed their larvae scarab beetle grubs.
Massive Wasp Nest Removed In Florida | Archives | NBC News
FAQ
Are wasps a problem in Florida?
If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve come across paper wasps at some point. These social wasps are common throughout the state and often build their nests around homes, making them a frequent concern for homeowners.
What kind of wasps are in Florida?
Our ecosystems benefit greatly from the presence of wasps, but some species are better admired from a distance. Now that you can identify paper wasps, yellow jackets, red wasps, mud daubers, and bald-faced hornets, you’ll know which require removal and which to simply let be.
Are Florida wasps aggressive?
Key Takeaways. Black wasps are common in Florida, helping the environment by pollinating plants and controlling pests. Black wasps are generally solitary and not aggressive toward humans. But they may sting if they feel provoked or threatened.
How can I tell what kind of wasp I have?
Wasps vary in color, from a metallic blue to a dull red to solid black. Red wasps, like their name implies, are red. Mud Dauber wasps are black. Yellow jackets are most commonly known for their yellow and black striped bodies.