Generally, people can identify wasps. They are usually fairly aggressive insects, particularly when their nest is threatened, and they can clear out a picnic or BBQ pretty quickly because of it. Unlike bees, wasps can deliver multiple stings. The perceived threat that wasps feel a danger is continually assaulted until it is neutralized. Though this is typical behavior of wasps, there are a few species that are unorthodox and might surprise you, such as the Mexican Honey wasp that we at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control would like to share more about today.
Mexican Honey Wasp Identification
Ranging in size between 9/32 inches and 23/64 inches in length, Mexican honey wasps are smaller than a honeybee. Unlike the bees however, they are not very hair and are colored nearly all black. They prefer to simply ignore the human activity and are considerably more docile, especially when compared to other wasps. The males and female workers have the same coloration, which feature yellow bands on their mostly black body. The queens will usually have dark reddish-brown abdominal with the mostly black coloration.
Paper Wasp Nest
Mexican Honey wasps are included in the paper wasp classification, which are so referenced because their nests resemble materials. The construction of the basketball-sized nest is made of chewed wood and other cellulose matter along with their saliva. Typically, the trees and shrubs make for their nest creations that range in size; 40–50 cm in diameter, where they can be found anywhere from 3 feet – 30 feet above ground level. Mexican Honey wasps are more attracted to the mid-canopy areas, so that the foliage can offer more protection for their perennial nests. Within the nests can harbor anywhere from ,500 to 18,700 members inside. In subterranean settings, they are usually easy to spot due the exterior resembling rough cardboard.
Where Do Mexican Honey Wasps Live?
Southeastern areas of Arizona, in Mexico, range from Northern Panama through most of subtropical Central America, in addition to Texas is where the Mexican Honey wasp can be found as they prefer the driest of habitats. Worker and reproductive castes are included in their social structure as these wasps are eurosocial or highly social insects. Between workers and multiple queens within one hive, there are females present with ovaries intermediate in size; this allows large colonies to grow considerably.
Diet of Mexican Honey Wasps
The diet of Mexican Honey wasps is generally nectar and a variety of insects. They create honey with the nectar that they feed to the larvae. Though these are among the few wasps that can produce honey, it can be challenging for people to harvest it because of the development of their nest structure.
Stinging Insect Inspection & Control Treatment in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
These wasps are actually fairly beneficial with the harmful insects they eat and their pollination abilities of avocado and citrus trees. The pollen they collect, and carry are on their head, abdomen, and legs. Because any wasp can be intimidating, especially when you do not want to get close enough to try and identify it, makes wanting them on Texas properties hard to tolerate, particularly if people are allergic to their stings. If you are needing to get rid of wasps, or other stinging pests, call A Five Star Termite and Pest Control and our certified professionals will take care of the stinging insect infestations.
