To most people, wasps are usually fairly recognizable. Known to be more aggressive in the stinging insect class, they can clear out a picnic or BBQ pretty quickly. Unlike bees who have one sting in them before they die soon after, wasps deliver multiple stings. Until a perceived threat is neutralized, wasps will usually protect their nest and continue to assault. Depending on the individual, people can experience allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. Most people understand they need to avoid the area to avert an attack when people come across wasps. With surprise, there are few wasps that are unorthodox. With this in mind, we at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control like to elaborate on Mexican honey wasps.
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. They are nearly all black in color but are not hairy like bees. Preferring to ignore human activity, these wasps are more docile than other wasps and are not very aggressive. Though the males and workers share the same mostly black with bands of yellow on the abdominal coloration, only females feature a stinger. However, a dark reddish-brown abdominal coloration is typical among queens.
Paper Wasp Nest Identification
Where it is chewed wood and other cellulose matter and saliva, these wasps are part of the paper wasp family, so nicknamed because their nests look as though they were constructed from paper. Being built 30 feet above ground level, their nests are generally built in trees and shrubs and the diameter ranges in size from 40–50 cm in diameter. Where they can be protected by foliage, these nests are favorably placed in mid-canopy. From 3,500 to 18,700 members in them, their nests can hold anywhere. Being easy to spot in the suburban setting, the exterior resembles rough cardboard and their nests are perennial.
Where are Mexican Honey Wasps Found?
Being found on south counties in Texas, southeastern areas of Arizona, in Mexico, range from Northern Panama through most of subtropical Central America, Mexican honey wasps prefer the driest of habitats. Including worker and reproductive castes, these wasps are eusocial or highly social insects. Multiple queens within one hive along there are females present with ovaries intermediate in size between workers. This allows them to be able to form large colonies.
Is Mexican Honey Wasp Honey Edible?
Different insects and nectar are included in Mexican honey wasps’ diet which they use to create honey that they feed to their larvae. Though it can be difficult for people to harvest due to the nature of their nests, these are one of the few insects other than bees that can produce honey. The honey from Mexican honey wasps is edible but it is reported to sometimes contain the nectar of highly toxic plants that can kill people if consumed, so it is best to be wary.
Stinging Insect Control & More 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.
For the pollinating abilities of citrus and avocado trees, these wasps are considered beneficial. Mexican honey wasps will collect and carry the pollen on their legs, abdomen, and head. In addition to pollinating, they are known to control harmful pests. Some people would prefer not having these intimidating insects so close to their home or business, despite their advantages. Call A Five Star Termite and Pest Control today and our trained experts will remove the nest and wasps for you if you discover their nest too close for comfort.
