Many of us cringe at the sight of a wasp, but they are very beneficial in helping to control garden pests. One of the ways they do this is by laying eggs on or in caterpillars. The eggs hatch and feed on the catapillars, killing them in the process. They also prey on flies and beetle larvae.
Providing habitat is one way to attract these garden helpers to your area. 4" PVC caps can be secured to a post near the garden with the open side of the cap pointed down to provide a sheltered location for wasp nests. Another option is to hang an empty 2 lb. plastic coffee can upside down on a 4 to 6 foot stake near the garden. The wasps like a sheltered sunny location and seem to find the coffee can fills the bill.
If you will leave the wasps alone, they will leave you alone. Why don't you give it a try?
Great information and advice. Wasps, in my experience, do not attack unless you threaten their nest. I've seen the very parasitic deposit depicted in this picture in my garden at home. There was a very informative pollinator conference held at the Extension Office some years ago. Much to be learned about wasps as pollinators. Wish we could have another such conference... Thanks very much for this post!!
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