Paper wasps are predators that hunt and kill bees to feed their young. This predatory behavior is a natural part of the food web, though it can impact local bee populations.
How Paper Wasps Hunt Bees
Paper wasps hunt various insects, including bees, to fulfill their dietary requirements, particularly for their larvae. Adult wasps primarily feed on sugary liquids like nectar, but their larvae require a protein-rich diet. This need for protein drives the adult wasps to hunt.
Paper wasps often target foraging bees as they return to their nests, laden with pollen and nectar. They may ambush bees near flowering plants or hover around the entrances of bee hives, waiting for individuals to emerge or return.
Once a bee is captured, the paper wasp uses its stinger to paralyze the prey. The paralyzed bee is then carried back to the wasp’s nest, where it is used as food for the hungry wasp larvae.
Identifying Wasps and Bees
Bees generally have more robust, rounded bodies and are often covered in dense, branched hairs, which help them collect pollen. Their coloration tends to be more muted, often appearing as brownish-yellow and black stripes. Honey bees possess a barbed stinger that typically remains embedded after a single sting.
In contrast, paper wasps have slender, smoother bodies with less hair, and a distinct, narrow “waist” connecting their thorax and abdomen. Their stripes are usually more vibrant, often bold yellow and black. Wasps have smooth stingers, allowing them to sting multiple times.
Behaviorally, bees are typically less aggressive and sting primarily in defense, while wasps can be more aggressive and territorial, especially around their nests. Wasps also exhibit an unpredictable, zigzag flight pattern, whereas bees tend to fly more directly when foraging.
Safeguarding Local Bee Populations
Promoting a healthy environment can help support local bee populations, even with the natural presence of paper wasps. Providing diverse floral resources that bloom throughout the seasons ensures bees have a continuous supply of nectar and pollen. Planting native flowers can be particularly beneficial, as these plants are well-adapted to the local ecosystem and attract a variety of pollinators. Creating a pesticide-free garden further protects bees from harmful chemicals.
Managing garden habitats to reduce pressure on bees without directly interfering with wasp behaviors can also be effective. Offering shallow water sources with landing spots, such as pebbles in a bird bath, provides safe hydration for bees. While paper wasps are natural predators, they also contribute to pest control by preying on other insects, which can indirectly benefit gardens. For managed bee colonies, practices like reducing hive entrances can assist bees in defending their nests against intruders. Keeping outdoor areas clean and securing food waste can deter wasps from congregating in areas frequented by bees, as wasps are attracted to sugary substances and proteins.