Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do wasps do? Most people simply view wasps as pests. While wasps are indeed pesky, they are also helpful to our environment. Wasps are pollinators. They move pollen from one flower to another, which helps plants reproduce. Wasps also help farmers and gardeners by eating other insects, such as crickets and beetles. This helps prevent crickets and beetles from ating crops and plants. Because wasps prey on insects, they are responsible for helping to keep insect populations lowered.
2. Are yellow jackets wasps? Yes, yellow jackets are wasps. Yellow jackets are among the most aggressive wasps. If you get to close to a yellow jacket’s nest, they will swarm you to protect their nest. Most wasps swarm near their nests. Sometimes you’ll see yellow jackets swarming around recycling bins and trash bins where sugary substances are kept. Yellow jackets sometimes nest in empty logs or tree stumps, but they most often build nests underground. These underground nests are usually hidden from view and hard to detect.
3. Do wasps sting or bite? Wasps sting. Though most wasp stings aren’t dangerous to humans, some people do have allergic reactions to wasp stings. If you struggle to breathe after being stung, seek emergency medical care. You should also seek emergency medical care if your throat feels like it’s closing up, you feel lightheaded or you notice abnormal swelling on your body. However, most stings are not life-threatening, and in most cases a sting can be treated with basic medicines, such as hydrocortisone cream and antihistamine. These drugs reduce swelling and itching.
4. Do Wasps Die After They Sting You? No, wasps don’t die after they sting. They don’t leave their stinger inside you, so this allows them to sting you multiple times.