Wasp
Hymenoptera
Wasps are bees’ more aggressive, territorial, meaner cousins. They are capable of multiple stings and don't hold back when push comes to shove. A wasp would have no problem injecting you with venom multiple times. This can be a real problem since that same venom can be used to paralyse a tarantula. In most cases, you would want them at a safe distance. Wasp control is one of our more popular services, but that doesn’t mean wasps don’t have their place in the world.
There are more than 10,000 native Australian wasps. They are not as good at pollination as their hard-working kin, yet they still hold a crucial role in the Australian ecosystem. Wasps perform natural pest control services. They keep in check many different bugs that may otherwise be harmful to your garden. They also help with the reproduction of figs (which they live and die inside of). Finally, some species often scavenge for dead insects, paper, small debris, and that may cause them to come at odds with us. And no one wants to have their tool shed, garage, or attic infested by small, angry-looking, buzzing, aggressive insects.
Species of native Australian wasps
Black Wasp: Black wasps are native australian wasps that are, well - black, with bluish wings. The adult wasps feed mostly on nectar and help pollinate native plants. This makes them a valuable member of the ecosystem. But there’s another, less widely known use for them.
The black wasp larvae feed on grubs. The adult female lays her eggs underground in the presence of grubs and the larvae being eating the grubs once they hatch. Since grubs can be harmful to plants, this makes them especially useful for gardeners.
Mud-dauber Wasp: The more creative of the bunch. Mud-dauber wasps are solitary and build pottery-like nests from mud. They are very adept at creating mud nests with perfect shapes. They grow up to 3 cm and a red and yellow in colour.
Like other wasp species, the larvae are carnivorous. Mud-daubers often place one or several spiders in their nest before the eggs hatch so the larvae have something to eat. Although not very aggressive, their venomous sting can still be very painful.
