Pests and insects are a common sight around us. They dominate the surroundings we live in, and they are a part of nature. However, if you suddenly stumble across a black-colored hornet, being a little skeptical of the situation is common.
Spider wasps, although not very common in gardens, can be found here and there. If you notice a dark-colored wasp feeding on the flowers in your garden, that could be a sign of spider wasp infestation.
These kinds of pests often prey on spiders for egg-laying, hence the name. This guide will walk you through all the details you potentially need on how to get rid of spider wasps from your surroundings.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Bees? | 8 Remedies that Work
Table of Contents
What are Spider Wasps?
Spider wasps are a type of hornet belonging to the family of yellow jackets. They have dark, almost black-colored bodies and are comparatively larger.
These kinds of wasps have longer legs and dark-colored wings, which they use to take off. In most cases, you will likely notice them feeding on the nectar of the flowers in your garden. If you are wondering where spider wasps get their name from, it is because they prey on spiders.
The female spider wasps prey on the spiders, stinging them until they become paralyzed. Once killed, the wasp drags the spider to their nest, where it lays the eggs. The paralyzed (and dead) spider serves as a food source for the babies when they hatch.
Are Spider Wasps Poisonous?
Given how terrifying spider wasps look, it isn’t surprising that most people have one question in their mind, “Are spider wasps poisonous?”
Spider wasps do sting human beings if they are disturbed by them. Their sting will cause a significant amount of pain. That said, spider wasps aren’t poisonous to human beings. So, if you are worried that their sting will kill you, be assured that it won’t.
One unique thing about spider wasps is that they lead a solitary life. This means there are very few chances that they will cause an infestation in or around your house.
Do Spider Wasps Damage the Garden?
If you notice recurrent visits from spider wasps in your garden, wondering whether or not they will damage the yard is relatively common.
That said, female spider wasps tend to lay their eggs in nests they make in the soil. They create little soil burrows where they lay the eggs, which means that they won’t cause much damage to the plants or even the soil in your garden.
Since spider wasps prey on spiders, they are a great addition to your garden because they will most likely keep the spider population in check. They also don’t colonize and live in large groups, meaning you won’t have to worry about the risk of infestation.
How to Eliminate Spider Wasps from Your Garden
As we mentioned before, spider wasps are solitary insects, which means they won’t become a nuisance to your surroundings. You won’t have to worry about eliminating them because they come and go from time to time.
Even if you notice a spider wasp in your garden, chances are that it’s alone and will prey on a spider and leave within some time.
The best thing we’d recommend you do is to let them be. Since they aren’t a threat to humans and don’t create colonies, it is ideal that you leave them alone, and they will most likely go away by themselves after some time.
However, if you want to take extra measures, spray the entire garden with water until the soil turns a little muddy. Spider wasps don’t like laying their eggs in muddy soil, making your garden inhabitable for them.
One important thing you should avoid is spraying chemical pesticides or insecticides. They might successfully drive the wasp out of the garden but leave a chemical residue, which makes the garden inhabitable for other pests and insects that are essential for the plant’s growth.
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Spider wasps are harmless to human beings. So, if you come across one in your garden and are trying to swat it away, let it be. In most cases, it will fly away on its own. However, we also recommend keeping an eye out on their population and getting professional help if things get out of hand. We hope this article explains how to get rid of spider wasps in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do Spider Wasps Nest?
Spider wasps typically nest in the soil. The female spider wasps will dig a hole in the soil to prepare for the egg laying and then bring a spider as a food source for when the eggs hatch.
Are Spider Wasps Poisonous?
Spider wasps prey on spiders only. Although their sting is painful for humans, it isn’t poisonous and should heal within a few days without any complications.
How painful is a Spider Wasp Sting?
Most victims who have been stung by a spider wasp report that the pain is excruciating at the moment. However, the good news is that the condition cures within a few days. Even the pain fizzles out after a few days.
Why is it called Spider Wasp?
The main reason they are called spider wasps is that the female ones prey on spiders, and the young larvae exploit the dead spider for food after they hatch.
Will a Spider Wasp Sting a Human?
In most cases, spider wasps are harmless and will pay you no mind. However, if instigated, spider wasps can sting humans in self-defense.
Do Spider Wasps Live a Solitary Life?
Spider wasps don’t live in colonies and mostly live a solitary life. This is one of the reasons why people don’t have to worry about infestations.
What Spider Wasps Preys On?
Most spider wasps prey on free-living spiders that often damage the plants, flowers, and fruits in your garden. So, having a few spider wasps benefit your garden in the long run.
How Long Does Spider Wasp Venom Last?
Although not poisonous or harmful, the spider wasp venom or the sting’s pain and inflammation can last up to a few days. This is one of the reasons we’d recommend that you avoid them at all costs.
What should you do if you get Stung by a Spider Wasp?
The best way to relieve the pain from a spider wasp sting is to use an ice pack. It reduces inflammation and redness too.
