3 Reasons We Need Wasps

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When most people think of beneficial bugs, they typically go for the honeybee. From honey production to stellar pollination skills, it’s easy to put them in the top slot. But there’s another buzzy flyer that’s just as good – the wasp. Here are three reasons why we need them.

Pollination Power
Bees are the most well-known pollinators. They feed on nectar to produce honey, and by using their furry bodies to spread pollen around, they typically garner the most fanfare. But did you know that certain wasp species are also in the pollination game? Because wasps don’t have fur, rather than carrying pollen on their bodies like bees, wasps gather crops of it inside their bodies. Take fig wasps. These wasps are the sole pollinators of thousands of species of figs and essential to the fig fruits’ survival. So the next time you eat something with figs in it, thank a wasp. Just don’t get too close.

Pest Patrol
While your neighborhood Orkin representative has Pest Control Down to A Science™, wasps have it in their DNA. Wasps prey on and parasitize a number of pests that can cause considerable damage to crops and flowering plants. They make meals for their developing larva out of pesky crop destroyers like grubs, caterpillars and weevils. Some farmers even find them so useful they’ll have wasps shipped in as a natural pest deterrent.

Cancer Care
Lastly, wasps may provide the cure to a disease that threatens millions of people — cancer. Scientists and researchers have discovered wasp venom also kills cancer cells. In a recent study, the venom of Brazilian wasps was discovered to contain a molecule called MP1. This molecule doesn’t harm healthy cells, but has been found to inhibit the growth of prostate and bladder cancer cells and drug-resistant leukemia. Additionally, chemicals in wasp venom have been proven to kill certain bacteria. With more extensive research, wasps may be just what the doctor ordered when combating life-threatening cancer.

Sources:
“2 reasons to leave a wasp nest in your yard” Mother Nature Network
“Wasp Venom Selectively Assassinates Cancer Cells” Discover Magazine

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Robert Luckens

Robert is the founder of Rockypest Pty Ltd, formed at the end of 2013. Still trading as Rockingham Pest Control and Luckens Pest Control. Robert has been in the Pest Control Industry since 1988, prior to this he was in the fumigation industry for 3 years so with over 30 years experience you can be rest assured that you will receive the best possible service at all times.

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