AboutEric R. Eaton Expertise I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, especially requests to identify "mystery bugs" in North America!
Experience
Past/Present clients Principal author of the "Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America" (in bookstores now!), Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker), Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati (volunteer trainer, guest speaker).
Expert: Eric R. Eaton Date: 7/2/2008 Subject: Flying wasp?
Question I have what appears to be a large flying wasplike insect that has both red and yellow on its body. It makes holes in the ground especially my flower beds. The holes are tiny but the insects fly out easily. I'm afraid of being stung so I don't get a real close look at them. What are they and how do I get rid of them? I live in Eastern Ohio. Thank you. Joyce
Answer Joyce:
First, we have to determine whether these are social insects or solitary ones. If many, many individual insects are coming and going out of ONE hole, then you probably have a nest of yellowjackets underground. This does not seem to be the case from your description, so I think you have some kind of solitary bee or wasp nesting in your garden, one or two per hole.
The overwhelming majority of our native bees and wasps are solitary, meaning each female makes her own nest. Of these, the bulk excavate burrows in the soil. Many have specific soil requirements, nesting only in sand, for example. NONE of the solitary wasps poses any threat at all unless you physically grab a female, or step on her in bare feet. They are way too busy with nest-building and provisioning to bother with people.
Further, solitary bees pollinate our native plants and wildflowers, as well as some of our ornamental vegetation. Solitary wasps also visit flowers, but they prey on many insects that are true pests: caterpillars, true bugs, weevils, flies, etc. So, they, too, are great to have around.
As we collectively plow-under and pave-over native bee and wasp habitat, we leave them fewer and fewer places to nest. It is the responsibility of homeowners to recognize this and learn that they can easily tolerate these fascinating and important insects. Enjoy observing them, as soon the job of each female will be done, and she will seal the nest and leave, not to be seen again.
For images and information about various solitary bees (Colletidae, Andrenidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae, Apidae) and wasps (Sphecidae, Crabronidae, Pompilidae), see:
