Wasp Wednesday

Wasps, bless their hearts... no one ever has anything good to say about wasps. While it is true they can sting, many species just mind their own business when away from their nests and are not overly aggressive unless threatened. So here's a little information about a few of our most visible wasps in hopes of reducing the chance of a negative encounter.

N.B. CDC has a document on how to deal with insect bites as well as an identification key to stinging hymenoptera (wasps, bees, ants). CDC also offers this link on how to handle insect stings (how to administer first aid, knowing when to seek additional medical assistance, etc.).

Let's start with the pretty blue mud dauber. This is a solitary wasp who, among other things, catches and feeds black widow spiders to its babies. [In case you wonder, yes, we do have black widow spiders in the neighborhood so please wear gloves when working outdoors]. The blue mud dauber nests in underground cavities built by other wasps or by its spider victims.

Pretty in iridescent blue, but fear not, only ~1" long.