Did you know that there are more than 100,000 different species of wasps in the world? That’s pretty terrifying considering these stinging insects are known for being significantly more aggressive than their close relatives, bees! With so many species, it’s no surprise that wasps come in many colors, shapes and sizes.

Here are a few more quick facts to keep in mind when it comes to wasps:

  • Typically wasps are between 5-15 millimeters, weigh about 1 gram in total and live for up to 22 days.
  • Wasp species are classified as either solitary or social depending on their socialization habits, though the majority of wasps are found to be solitary.
  • Social wasps construct paper nests where up to 10,000 wasps reside, while solitary wasps live alone.
  • Yellow jackets, paper wasps and bald faced hornets are among the most commonly spotted species.
  • Wasp venom contains a pheromone that signals aggressive behavior in other nearby wasps, which is why swatting them can be dangerous. These same pheromones are also excreted when a wasp dies to alert his comrades.
  • If stung by a wasp, expect your symptoms to last for an estimated 24 hours. A simple swipe of deodorant over the irritated area can help ease the pain.
  • A wasp colony’s main concern is serving the queen. Male wasps called drones devote their entire existence to mating with the queen, dying shortly after their duties have been fulfilled.
  • The queen is the only fertile female in a wasp nest that is capable of laying eggs.
  • Though wasps play an important role in pollinating, just like bees, they do not produce wax or honey.
  • Wasps feed on nectar, honey, fallen fruit and smaller insects and caterpillars. They can travel up to 400 meters to find food.
  • Contrary to popular belief depicted in many movies, wasps actually don’t swarm their victims.
  • When winter hits all wasps in a colony die except for the fertilized queen who goes into hibernation for the winter. When she emerges, she lays up to a dozen eggs that will become the beginning of a new colony.
  • At the end of each warm season a new queen bee emerges, and the current one dies off with the rest of the colony in the winter.

Dealing with a bee or wasp infestation can be very difficult and downright dangerous, which is why we recommend you seek expert advice. If you need to have a nest removed, or would just like to take precautionary measures to keep your friends and family from being stung this summer, call Pest Control Unlimited at 888-649-9919 today!