BY ALLISON LEE
To many people, bees and wasps are nothing more than annoying stingers that ruin summer barbecues and seem intent on causing pain. But in reality, these insects are environmental powerhouses. Most are vital pollinators or highly effective pest controllers, so before you reach for the swatter, it’s worth pausing to consider their value.
We all know the importance of the honey bee, which has a different life cycle from other bees and wasps. Yet bumblebees, solitary bees, and wasps deserve equal recognition. As they feed on nectar and pollen, these insects transfer pollen from flower to flower on their furry bodies—a process called pollination, which enables fertilisation and the formation of seeds and fruit. Official figures show that around one third of the food we eat depends on pollination by bees.
Sadly, bees, wasps, and other insect pollinators are under threat worldwide for a range of reasons. Some point to decades of intensive farming, which has led to the loss of hedgerows and wildflower meadows, while pesticide use has also taken its toll. However, we can all help safeguard these crucial insects—whether we have a balcony, a small garden, or acres of land. By planting pollen- and nectar-rich species in hanging baskets, window boxes, gardens, allotments, and meadows, we can provide food sources for pollinators throughout the seasons. Flowering shrubs, hedges, trees, annuals, perennials, and climbers all contribute.
In the UK, several wasp species exist, and while they look broadly similar, they differ in size and subtle colour patterns. Unlike bees, wasps can become a nuisance, particularly when their nests are disturbed—triggering a determined defence that anyone who has tried to outrun them will know well. But wasps are far more beneficial than most people realise. They are excellent pest controllers, keeping in check the bugs that would otherwise damage crops and gardens. They also feed on sugar and nectar, cross-pollinating hundreds of wild plants and flowers; some plants rely entirely on wasps to reproduce. Despite their pesky reputation, wasps are central to food webs, supporting biodiversity by providing high-protein meals for birds, spiders, and small mammals, and by cleaning up dead insects and organic matter.
There is, however, one exception to the wasp’s usefulness: the Asian hornet. This invasive non-native species is darker in colour, with a mainly black head and dark body. It is a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species. If left unchecked, the Asian hornet can cause serious losses to honey bee colonies. If you suspect a nest, report it to the Great British Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS). Where possible, take a photograph from a safe distance—but do not attempt to disturb the nest yourself, as Asian hornets can be extremely aggressive when defending it.
Allison Lee is a smallholder from North Yorkshire who has written for the Yorkshire Times and other publications. Her website can be accessed here.