Wasps in general are recognized by most people. They can clear out a picnic or BBQ pretty quickly and are known to be more aggressive in the stinging insect class. Wasps deliver multiple stings, unlike bees who have one sting in them before they die soon after. Wasps will typically protect their nest and continue to assault the perceived threat until it is neutralized. Like bees, however, people can experience allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe depending on the individual. As a result, when people come across wasps, most understand to avoid the area to avert an attack. There are few wasps that are unorthodox and can surprise you. Mexican Honey Wasps are one of these few species that are not a typical wasp. Today, we at A-Tex Pest Management would like to share some fundamentals concerning the Mexican Honey Wasp.
Mexican Honey Wasp Identification
Mexican honey wasps are smaller than a honey bee, ranging in size between 9/32 inches and 23/64 inches in length. They are not very hair like bee and are nearly all black in color. These wasps are more docile than other wasps and are not very aggressive, preferring to ignore human activity. Only females feature a stinger, though the males and workers share the same coloration; mostly black with bands of yellow on the abdominal. Queens will typically have a dark reddish-brown abdominal coloration.
Mexican Honey Wasp Nests
These wasps are part of the paper wasp family, so nicknamed because their nests look as though they were constructed from paper, where it is chewed wood and other cellulose matter and saliva. There nests are generally built in trees and shrubs that are 3 feet – 30 feet above ground level and the diameter ranges in size from 40–50 cm in diameter. These nests are favorably placed in mid-canopy, where they can be protected by foliage. Their nests can hold anywhere from 3,500 to 18,700 members in them. The exterior resembles rough cardboard and can be easy to spot in the suburban setting. Their nests are perennial.
Where are Mexican Honey Wasps Found?
Mexican honey wasps prefer the driest of habitats and are found on south counties in Texas, southeastern areas of Arizona, in Mexico, range from Northern Panama through most of subtropical Central America. These wasps are eusocial or highly social insects that include worker and reproductive castes. There are females present with ovaries intermediate in size between workers and multiple queens within one hive. This way, they are able to form large colonies.
Diet of Mexican Honey Wasps
Mexican honey wasps diet includes different insects and the nectar, which they use to create honey that they feed to the larvae. These are one of the few insects other than bees that can produce honey but can be difficult for people to harvest due to the nature of their nests. These wasps are considered beneficial for the pollinating abilities of citrus and avocado trees. Mexican honey wasps will collect and carry the pollen on their legs, abdomen, and head. Another benefit to people is their control of other harmful pests.
Do Mexican Honey Wasps Sting?
Mexican honey wasps can sting. While they are generally considered less aggressive than some other wasp species, Mexican honey wasps will sting if they feel threatened or if their nest is disturbed. Their sting is barbed, which can cause it to remain in the victim’s skin.
Stinging Insect Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Despite being beneficial, some would prefer not having these intimidating insects so close to their home or business. If you discover their nest too close for comfort, call A-Tex Pest Management today and our trained experts will remove the nest for you.
