For many, finding a wasp nest in the garden is synonymous with danger and reason to act immediately. However, there is a particular species that deserves to be kept nearby: the excavator wasp, an insect that plays an essential role in natural balance.
Unlike the best known wasps, they do not live in colonies. The excavators, of the genre Sphex And belonging to the Sphecidae family, they build individual galleries on the ground, where they lay their eggs. It is often observed this insect in summer, flying close to the floor before disappearing in the holes that digs on sandy terrain, according to the Spanish digital newspaper HuffPost.
Pest Allies
The main reason for preserving these wasps in the garden is their effectiveness in natural pest control. They hunt orrugas, larvae, flies and even grasshoppers, which paralyze before storing in the galleries to serve as food to the young. In this way, they help keep in control insect populations that could, in excess, damage flowers, fruits and gardens.
In Portugal, these wasps are also present. Species like the Sphex flavipennisknown as grasshopper hunting wasp, can be observed in various regions, especially in sandy and dry soils of the coast and interior. Like other countries, they play a relevant role in ecological balance and are a precious ally for gardens and small gardens.
But the benefits are not here, according to the same source. Upon opening the underground tunnels where they live, they contribute to improving the drainage and fertility of the soil, favoring the healthy development of plants.
A Curious Behavior‘
Although it may seem unusual to see a wasp opening holes in Earth, experts cited by the same source confirm that this behavior from this insect is totally normal. It is a natural adaptation that combines the reproduction of the species with the ecological regulation of gardens.
No risk of bites
Another point in favor is the fact that they are uncomfortable. The excavator wasps rarely sting and only do so if they feel directly threatened. That is, they live without real danger to those who circulate in space.
How to remove them if necessary
Still, those who prefer to avoid their presence can resort to a simple method. These wasps look for dry and sandy soils, so regularly watering the area where they settled is often enough to lead them to look for another location, according to the.
Deep down, more than one threat, excavating wasps can be seen as discrete ‘guardians’ of the garden, maintaining natural balance and improving plant health.
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