Did you know that a single mud dauber can construct up to 25 individual cells within its intricate nest? These remarkable solitary wasps, belonging to either the Sphecidae or Crabronidae families, are master architects and skilled hunters that play a vital role in controlling spider populations across North America. Mud daubers are long, slender wasps…
Did you know that just a single Africanized bee colony can contain up to 60,000 stinging insects? This startling statistic underscores the sheer scale and potential danger posed by these hybrid honey bees, often referred to as “killer bees.” Africanized bees are the result of a bold experiment in Brazil during the 1950s, where scientists…
Did you know that a single bumble bee colony can contain up to 500 individuals? This remarkable fact underscores the complex social dynamics and intricate behavioral repertoires of these fascinating pollinators. A recent study has revealed that bumble bees not only learn from each other but also develop distinct “trends” in their foraging behaviors, challenging…
Imagine a wasp the size of a human thumb, with distinctive reddish-orange wings and a body adorned in striking brown and yellow stripes. This is the European hornet (Vespa crabro), the largest eusocial wasp native to Europe and the only true hornet (genus Vespa) found in North America, having been introduced to the United States…
Did you know that a single pavement ant colony can house over 10,000 industrious individuals? These small, dark-colored insects, also known as “sugar ants,” have become one of the most widespread ant species across the United States. Originating from Europe, pavement ants were likely introduced to the country in the 1700s and have since become…
Imported fire ants infest more than 367 million acres in the United States, including states like Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Puerto Rico. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has established quarantine areas where imported…
Did you know that a staggering 90% of the 20,000+ bee species globally are solitary bees? Unlike the well-known honey bees and bumble bees, these independent insects live and nest on their own, with each female solitary bee responsible for building her own nest, collecting pollen and nectar, and laying her own eggs. Interestingly, around…
When it comes to managing wildlife issues in Meridian, Idaho, one name stands out: Meridian Wildlife Control, operated by the trusted Get Lost Pest Control company. With over a decade of experience, this wildlife control experts are dedicated to humanely removing nuisance animals such as snakes, raccoons, rock chucks, badgers, and more from both residential…
These fascinating insects, also known as horntail wasps, play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, but their presence can also pose significant challenges for the timber industry and homeowners alike. Wood wasps are large, black-and-yellow insects that may look intimidating, but they are actually harmless to humans. The female wood wasps use their long, stinger-like…
Did you know that cicada killers can grow up to 2 inches long, making them one of the largest wasps in North America? Despite their intimidating size and appearance, these insects are actually quite fascinating and often misunderstood. Cicada killers are a type of wasp that preys on cicadas, with their physical characteristics and behaviors…