Florida is home to over 100 species of wasps, and some of them can be quite dangerous. If you live in Florida and have ever been stung by a wasp, then you know these insects can be dangerous.
With so many different species of wasps found all across the state, it is important to know which type of wasp you are dealing with so you know how dangerous these stinging insects can be.
You are reading: 4 Types Of Wasps In Florida Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
In this article, we will discuss the different wasp species that call Florida home and what makes them unique. We will also rank the types of wasps in Florida by the pain of their sting, so you know which ones to avoid.
4 Types Of Wasps In Florida Ranked By The Pain Of Their Sting
Mud Dauber Wasps
Mud dauber wasps are a common type of wasp found in Florida. Here are some key facts about mud dauber wasps:
– Mud daubers are solitary wasps that construct nests or brood chambers from the mud.
– They are not aggressive and rarely sting humans.
– Mud daubers are known for their distinctive nests, which are made from mud and look like small tubes or cylinders.
– They hunt spiders and other small insects, which they paralyze and then place in their nests as food for their young.
– Mud daubers are considered beneficial insects because they help control the spider population.
If you have mud dauber wasps on your property, it’s best to leave them alone. They are not aggressive and are unlikely to sting humans unless provoked. If you are concerned about mud daubers or other types of wasps on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist for advice.
Yellow Jackets
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Yellow jackets are a type of wasp that is commonly found in Florida. They are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting, which can be more dangerous than a bee sting because their stinger is not barbed and they can sting multiple times.
Yellow jackets are social insects that live in colonies with thousands of individuals. They feed on fruit juices and other sweet liquid materials, while their larvae are fed bits of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars and flies. Yellow jackets are known to become more aggressive in the late summer and early fall months.
Identification
– Yellow jackets are about 1/2 inch long and have black and yellow stripes on their bodies.
– They have a slender waist and wings that fold longitudinally when at rest.
Habits
– Yellow jackets are social insects that live in colonies with thousands of individuals.
– They build their nests in structural voids, attics, and cavities associated with landscaping features.
– They are opportunistic nesters and can become a threat to humans if their nests are disturbed.
– Yellow jackets are carnivorous insects that feed primarily on other insects to stock up on protein and help develop young larvae in their colonies.
Behavior
– Yellow jackets are known to become more aggressive in the late summer and early fall months.
– They are slow to sting unless their nest is threatened.
– Yellow jacket stings pose a more serious threat to humans than bee stings because their stinger is not barbed and they can sting multiple times.
– Some individuals are more sensitive than others, due to allergic reactions, and should seek medical attention when stung.
– Yellow jackets living in wall voids can chew their way through the drywall and enter the structure’s living space.
If you spot a yellow jacket nest on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist to remove it safely and effectively.
Bald-Faced Hornets
Bald-faced hornets are a species of wasp that are commonly found in Florida. They are not true hornets, but rather a species of black and white yellow jacket.
Bald-faced hornets are known for their aggressive behavior and painful sting, which can be more dangerous than a bee sting because their stinger is not barbed and they can sting multiple times.
Identification
– Bald-faced hornets are about 1/2 to 5/8 inches long, with queens being larger at 3/4 inches.
– They have black and white or ivory coloring on their face, thorax, and the tip of the abdomen.
– Their wings are translucent dark brown.
Habits
– Bald-faced hornets are social insects that live in large colonies with hundreds of individuals.
– They build their nests out of paper-like material and can be found in trees, under eaves, around light structures on buildings, and inside children’s playhouses.
– They are opportunistic nesters and can become a threat to humans if their nests are disturbed.
– Bald-faced hornets are carnivorous insects that feed primarily on other insects to stock up on protein and help develop young larvae in their colonies.
Behavior
– Bald-faced hornets are known for their aggressive behavior and will attack anyone or anything that invades their space.
– They are easily agitated by outside noises and are sensitive to vibrations, which often travel through the air.
– Bald-faced hornet stings are venomous and can cause pain and swelling for about 24 hours.
– They have smooth stingers, so they can sting more than once.
– Bald-faced hornets are known to scavenge in trash receptacles and forage upon food and beverages consumed outdoors.
If you spot a bald-faced hornet nest on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist to remove it safely and effectively.
Cicada Killer Wasps
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Cicada killer wasps are a type of solitary wasp that is commonly found in Florida. They are known for their large size, with females occasionally reaching up to 1.5 inches long and weighing about a gram.
Cicada killer wasps are not aggressive towards humans and usually fly away when swatted at, rather than attacking.
Identification
– Cicada killer wasps are large wasps, approximately two inches in length.
– They are black or dark brown, with colorful yellow markings on several segments of their body.
– The female cicada killer wasp has a thick-waisted black body that is striped with yellow across the middle section (thorax) and the first three segments of the rear section (abdomen).
Habits
– Cicada killer wasps are solitary insects that typically build their own nests and hunt prey to feed their offspring.
– They choose sites with specific characteristics, such as well-drained, light-textured soils in full sunlight that are near trees harboring cicadas.
– They may dig along sidewalk or patio edges, in flower beds, gardens, or lawns, and as much as 100 cubic inches of soil may be brought to the surface as tunnels are formed.
– Cicada killer wasps feed on tree sap and flower nectar as individual adults.
– Females fly around trees, shrubs, meadows, and open areas in search of their only prey species, cicadas.
Behavior
– Cicada killer females use their stings to paralyze their prey (cicadas) rather than to defend their nests.
– Unlike most social wasps and bees, they do not attempt to sting unless handled roughly.
– Males aggressively defend their perching areas on nesting sites against rival males, but they have no stinger.
– Cicada killer wasps are generally not aggressive towards humans and usually fly away when swatted at, rather than attacking.
– Females may inflict a mild sting if captured or mishandled.
If you have cicada killer wasps on your property, it’s best to leave them alone. They are not aggressive and are unlikely to sting humans unless provoked. If you are concerned about cicada killer wasps or other types of wasps on your property, it’s best to contact a pest control specialist for advice.
FAQS
1. Are all wasps in Florida dangerous?
No, not all wasps in Florida are dangerous. However, some species can be aggressive and have painful stings. It’s important to know which species you are dealing with to avoid getting stung.
2. What is the most painful wasp sting in Florida?
Mud dauber wasps have the most painful sting in Florida, according to the Schmidt Pain Index. Yellow jackets and bald-faced hornets also have painful stings.
3. What should I do if I find a wasp nest on my property?
It’s best to contact a pest control specialist to remove the nest safely and effectively. Attempting to remove the nest yourself can be dangerous and may result in getting stung.
4. Are cicada killer wasps dangerous?
Cicada killer wasps are not dangerous to humans and are not aggressive. They are solitary wasps that typically build their own nests and hunt prey to feed their offspring.
5. How can I identify different types of wasps in Florida?
Different types of wasps in Florida can be identified by their size, color, and markings. It’s best to consult with a pest control specialist or use a reliable identification guide to accurately identify different species of wasps.
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