Wasps (Vespula vulgaris) are fascinating insects that play a vital role in nature. As common stinging insects in Florida, they contribute to pollination, pest control, and environmental balance. But beyond their stingers, many wonder what exactly wasps eat. Do they solely rely on other insects, or do they consume a wider variety of foods? 

Understanding their diet helps explain their behavior and how they interact with their surroundings.

Insects as a Food Source for Wasps

Wasps are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. Their diet mainly consists of protein-rich foods they feed themselves and their young. Female wasps hunt for food, bring it back to the nest, and feed it to their larvae (baby wasps). 

Some of the common insects wasps eat are: 

Flies

Adult wasps catch flies and other insects by stinging them and paralyzing them. Once paralyzed, the wasp brings the fly back to the nest to feed its larvae. Flies are abundant and easy for wasps to catch, making them a reliable source of food.

Caterpillars

Wasps will target young caterpillars, which are soft and easy to carry. Once caught, the wasp brings the caterpillar back to the nest to feed the larvae, helping them grow strong.

Aphids

Aphids are small pests that feed on plants, and wasps often hunt them for food. Some wasps, like parasitic wasps, will go after aphids and other small insects. Aphids also produce a sweet liquid called honeydew, which wasps eat as well.

Spiders

Some wasps even eat spiders! Some species, such as paper wasps and mud daubers will hunt spiders by stinging and paralyzing them. After the spider is paralyzed, the wasp drags it back to the nest to feed the larvae. 

Sugars and Sweet Substances in a Wasp’s Diet

While wasps primarily feed on protein-rich foods like insects, their diet also includes a significant amount of sugary substances. These sugars provide wasps with quick energy, which is essential for their high-energy activities such as flying, hunting, and building their nests. 

Just like humans reach for a sugary snack for an energy boost, wasps rely on nectar, honeydew, and other sweet liquids to fuel their busy day.

Nectar

Nectar is a sugary liquid that wasps collect from flowers. Like bees, wasps gather nectar, which gives them energy. Nectar helps wasps fly and hunt. It’s also important for pollination, so wasps help flowers grow by carrying pollen from one flower to another.

Honeydew

Honeydew is a sweet liquid that aphids and other plant-eating insects produce. Wasps love to drink honeydew because it’s full of sugar. This is another way wasps get energy. If you see wasps near aphid colonies, they are likely collecting honeydew.

Sugary Liquids

Wasps are attracted to sugary liquids, like soda, fruit juice, or spilled drinks. This is why you might see wasps near your outdoor picnic or barbecue. If you leave drinks uncovered, wasps may come to investigate. Be careful when eating outside, and keep your food covered.

Pollen

Although not a primary food, wasps sometimes eat pollen. Pollen is collected by wasps when they visit flowers. It provides them with extra nutrients, both protein and energy. However, unlike bees, wasps don’t store pollen to feed their young.

Honey

Honey is another sweet treat that some wasps eat. Wasps might steal honey from beehives or find honeycomb in the wild. However, honey is not a main food source for wasps, as they prefer protein and nectar.

Tree Sap

Tree sap is another sugary substance that wasps consume. During the warmer months, wasps may drink sap from trees, which gives them energy and nutrients. If you see wasps around trees, they might be feeding on sap.

Much like hornets, wasps are also great predators that help control other insect populations (though hornets are more aggressive than wasps, feasting on honeybees, flies, and caterpillars). You can learn more about a hornet’s diet in our article: Do Hornets Make Honey?

Other Foods Wasps Consume

In addition to insects and sugary substances, wasps also eat other types of food. Wasps are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever food is available to them.

Fruit

Wasps love ripe fruit. They will often feed on fruit like apples, grapes, and peaches. Fruit is full of sugar, and wasps take advantage of it when it is readily available. In the late summer and fall, wasps can be found feeding on fallen fruit in gardens and orchards.

Carrion

Carrion is just another word for dead or decaying animals. Wasps like to feel on carrion because it gives them additional protein. Wasps are scavengers, so if they find a dead animal, they will feast on it. They may also bring parts of the carcass back to the nest to feed their larvae.

Fermented Fruit Liquids

When fruit rots, it ferments and produces alcohol. Wasps are attracted to the sugar and alcohol in fermented fruit. You might notice wasps around piles of rotting fruit or in areas where fruit has been discarded.

Human Foods

Wasps are attracted to human food, especially sweet treats like desserts and candy. 

If you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or outdoor event, be mindful of leaving food uncovered. Wasps can quickly zero in on these food sources, and once they find them, they can become persistent. This is especially true in late summer and fall when natural food sources become scarcer for them, and they are on the hunt for an easy meal.

There are several effective ways to keep wasps from settling on your property. Learn how certain plants can naturally repel these pests. But if you’re dealing with a wasp problem or need help managing a wasp nest around your home, Florida Pest Control can help. Contact our wasp experts today.

Seasonal Changes in Wasp Diet

Wasps’ diets change throughout the year, depending on the season and the needs of the colony. In the warmer months, wasps are more active as they build and expand their nests, requiring more food to sustain themselves and their larvae. 

Understanding these changes can help you anticipate wasp behavior and make proactive steps to manage their presence around your home. Let’s take a closer look at what wasps eat during each season.

What Do Wasps Eat in Spring?

Spring marks the beginning of the wasp life cycle. 

During this time, new queen wasps emerge from hibernation and begin searching for suitable spots to build nests. Once they find a location, they begin constructing the nest and laying eggs that will eventually hatch into worker wasps. These early worker wasps are responsible for foraging for food to feed the newly laid eggs.

In spring, the wasp diet mainly consists of protein-rich foods needed to help the larvae develop. Worker wasps hunt insects like caterpillars, flies, and spiders, which provide the protein necessary for the colony’s young. The queen may also feed on these insects, as well as nectar from flowers and honeydew from aphids or other plant-sucking insects. 

Nectar and honeydew offer a source of sugar, giving wasps the energy they need to keep the colony going and support their activities, like nest building and egg laying.

Because the colony is still small in the spring, wasps do not need large quantities of food. However, the amount of food they gather begins to increase as the queen continues to lay more eggs. 

Then, as spring progresses and the weather warms, workers will become more active, and the demand for food grows.

What Do Wasps Eat in Summer?

Summer is the peak of wasp activity. During this time, the nest is fully established, and the colony has expanded to its largest size. As the colony grows, so does the need for food. Worker wasps are responsible for gathering food for both the larvae and the adult wasps. They actively hunt for protein-rich insects to feed the larvae, including caterpillars, flies, spiders, and other small insects.

In summer, wasps become more aggressive in their search for food. This is when they are most likely to be seen around your yard, especially near outdoor eating areas or trash cans. 

In addition to sugary foods, wasps also continue to forage for nectar from flowers and honeydew produced by aphids or other plant-sucking insects. These sugary substances give wasps the energy they need for their daily activities. Some wasps will also feed on fermented fruit or other sugary liquids, especially in the late summer when their need for energy increases.

As the colony’s food requirements grow, so does the demand for protein and sugar to support both the larvae and the adult wasps. During this time, wasps are very active in hunting and foraging, making it essential to be mindful of food sources that could attract them. 

Summer is also the period when wasps may become more defensive, as their nests are fully established, and they are focused on protecting their colony. Beware of wasp stings around this season.

By the end of summer, the queen will begin laying fewer eggs, and the colony will start to wind down. 

Why Understanding Wasp Diets Matters

Knowing what wasps eat is important if you want to manage them around your home. Wasps are helpful in nature because they control pest populations, but they can also become a nuisance when they build nests close to your home. Understanding their diet helps you know where to find their food sources and how to reduce the chance of attracting them to your house.

By eliminating sugary drinks, covering food, and keeping trash areas clean, you can discourage wasps from settling near your home. 

If you find a wasp nest near your house, it’s important to take care of the problem before the colony grows too large and becomes more aggressive. Learn how to prevent a wasp’s nest on your property.

Need Help Managing Bees, Wasps, or Hornets?

If you’re dealing with a wasp nest or other stinging insects, Florida Pest Control is here to help. 

Our licensed bee, wasp, and hornet exterminators are trained to remove wasp nests and prevent future problems. So whether you’re dealing with European hornets, honeybees or yellowjackets, contact us!

Schools create a perfect habitat for pests, offering ample food, water, and shelter in cafeterias, dorms, and classrooms. Rodents, cockroaches, and bed bugs can easily infest these spaces, endangering the health of students and staff. To ensure a healthy learning environment, schools must enforce consistent pest control strategies throughout the year.

Preventing pests before they become a problem ensures a healthy school environment for students, staff, and faculty year-round. Identify high-risk areas and the common pests that may appear.

Dormitories, Housing, and Popular Hangout Spots

Pests like mice, rats, cockroaches, and bed bugs often invade dorm rooms, faculty housing, common areas, and student gathering spots. Routine inspections and preventive actions by both students and staff are crucial for maintaining a pest-free environment.

Maintaining cleanliness and routinely removing trash can deter pests from invading living spaces. Staff should also seal cracks, repair damaged screens, and block potential entry points to prevent infestations. Resident Assistants help by educating students on hygiene and identifying risks like exposed food or overflowing garbage. These combined efforts contribute to a healthier, pest-free environment.

Bed Bug Policies and Prevention Practices

While bed bugs are most commonly found in dormitories, they can also infest libraries, classrooms, lounges, and other shared spaces where people sit or rest.

Students can lower the risk of bed bugs by keeping personal items spaced out, minimizing clutter, and reducing the number of belongings they transport between home and school. Staff or pest control professionals should routinely check mattresses and box springs for signs of infestation. If bed bugs are detected, prompt treatment is essential. Using encasements on school-provided beds adds an extra layer of protection.

Cafeterias, dining halls, and food service areas

Regular maintenance and inspections in food service areas, including cafeterias, dining halls, and kitchens, are vital for preventing pest infestations. Since rodents and other pests are drawn to these spaces, maintaining cleanliness through daily sweeping, mopping, surface wiping, and immediate spill cleanup is extremely important.

Summer break provides the perfect opportunity for a thorough deep cleaning while schools are empty. This process should involve sanitizing all surfaces, draining floor systems, sealing gaps around pipes, and clearing out any trash or food debris. It’s also an ideal time to remove dried goods from food prep areas and have the pest control team evaluate sanitation before students return.

Educational facilities: areas at risk

Managing an educational facility can be challenging. Safeguard your facility, students, and staff by eliminating disruptive and costly encounters with pests such as mice, bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, and more.

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Classrooms

Classrooms can quickly become infested with rodents, flies, cockroaches, and ants if pest control measures aren’t in place. Store snacks and supplies in airtight containers, and regularly clean desks and cubbies to eliminate hiding spots. Prevent pest entry by sealing gaps around windows and doors, keeping screens intact, and avoiding floor-level storage.

Arenas and Gymnasiums

With reduced activity in gymnasiums over the summer, rodents may move in seeking food and shelter. To keep pests away, cleaning crews should prioritize sanitizing concession stands and food stations while ensuring trash and food debris are removed consistently. Storing food in tightly sealed containers further helps deter infestations.

To prepare for summer, staff should remove all belongings from lockers, clean under the bleachers and inside the lockers, and leave them unlocked for janitorial and maintenance access. These actions will enable pest control teams to perform inspections and treatments, minimizing the risk of pests in the gym over the summer.

Stadiums and Outdoor Recreational Areas

Stinging pests can become a problem as early as spring, depending on your location. It’s crucial to address potential issues before they worsen, so have your pest management provider inspect areas with a high risk of activity. They should focus on checking eaves, overhangs, dorm rooms, and recreational spaces for new nests. The cleaning crew should also clear food waste and debris from concession areas to reduce the likelihood of attracting pests.

Construction Areas

Construction zones and surrounding areas on campus can attract pests, especially rodents, which can squeeze through small openings. This can lead to structural damage, electrical risks, and the spread of disease through gnawing, nesting, and waste. To prevent this, place rodent detection and capture devices near doors or entry points left open during material and equipment movement. Additional rodent control measures should be applied to areas with structural gaps.

Pest Prevention Tips for Schools

Ensuring that your school is free of pests is critical to maintaining the well-being of everyone on campus and providing a healthy learning environment. Whether it’s the school year or summer break, there are proactive measures to take. Below, we’ve listed steps you can take to ensure your school remains pest-free all year long:

During the School Year

• Report Pest Sightings: Promptly notify the appropriate personnel about any pest sightings to help maintain a pest-free environment.
• Seal Gaps: Close any openings in walls, floors, and doors to prevent pests from entering.
• Inspect Common Areas: Regularly check and clean shared spaces like classrooms and hallways to ensure they remain sanitary.
• Store Food: Keep food areas tidy and store all food in sealed, airtight containers to avoid attracting pests.
• Work with Florida Pest Control: Collaborate with a professional pest control service to implement an ongoing pest management plan.

During Summer Break

• Clean: Conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire school building before summer break to ensure a hygienic environment.
• Trim Vegetation: Cut back plants and shrubs around the school to reduce potential hiding spots for pests.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Remove any sources of standing water to prevent creating breeding grounds for pests.
• Seal Entry Points: Close any potential entry points, such as windows, doors, and vents, to prevent pests from getting inside.
• Schedule Pest Inspections: Arrange for regular pest inspections to identify and address issues before they become serious.

Reach out today for personalized pest prevention and control services that are tailored to your school’s needs. We offer thorough pest control solutions for schools, with the health and safety of your school as our top priority.

Contact Florida Pest Control today to learn how we can assist in protecting your facility.

Taking a proactive approach to pest control has become more important than ever to keep your business operating, thanks to the millions of rodents across the U.S. Regardless of your company’s industry, stopping infestations before they start helps maintain standards, preserves your reputation, and keeps your space clean.

Understanding the rodents you could encounter, the damage they can cause, and the most effective prevention strategies will strengthen your business long-term. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of infestations.

Persistent Feeding

Norway rats, Roof rats, and House mice survive by taking advantage of human and animal resources without offering anything in return, a behavior known as commensalism. Their presence can result in lost inventory, reputation damage, and interference with daily operations.

Always searching for their next meal, these adaptable rodents will seize any available food source. Whether your business is in food supply, food service, retail, hospitality, or property management, you must stay vigilant to keep them under control. Conduct regular rodent inspections as a part of your daily routine, to catch early warning signs and lower the risk of an infestation.

House Mice

Mice are constantly searching for food and a warm place to nest. Their fur varies from light brown to dark gray, and they typically range from 2 to 5 inches in length. With the ability to squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil, sealing every opening, no matter how small, is required to keep them out.

Mice are nocturnal, so they are typically active at night, which could make them difficult to spot during the day. However, you can notice signs of their presence, such as gnawed baseboards, damaged food packaging or cardboard boxes, and droppings. Mouse droppings are roughly a quarter inch long, pointed at both ends, and often appear in clusters.

Although mice will eat almost anything, they are particularly drawn to carbohydrate-rich foods such as grains, oats, rice, fruits, and seeds. They prefer to build nests near reliable food sources, often settling inside walls close to kitchens, pantries, and storage areas.

How to reduce Mice:

1. Close all gaps and cracks to prevent entry, reinforcing openings with steel wool.
2. Maintain a clear perimeter by trimming trees and shrubs to reduce contact with the building.
3. Regularly clean and disinfect kitchens and food prep areas to remove interest.
4. Keep food in tightly sealed containers and store it off the ground.

Once you notice signs of a rodent infection, it’s best to get a further investigation. Contact us today for an expert opinion. 

Norway Rats

Norway rats, commonly called brown rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are resourceful scavengers that will consume nearly anything available. Guided by their sharp sense of smell, they follow scent trails to locate food. These rodents can grow up to 11 inches long, have brown or gray fur, and can squeeze through openings as small as ¾ of an inch. With a fast breeding cycle, a single female can produce up to five litters per year, bringing rapid population expansion wherever they go.

Norway rats are burrowers and prefer underground environments, often making basements and crawl spaces into their nests.

These rodents pose major health concerns, as they can carry pathogens that may contaminate food and inventory. Watch for signs of their presence, such as gnaw marks, greasy streaks along frequently traveled routes, and rustling sounds behind walls. Their droppings are larger, pellet-shaped, and less abundant than those left by mice.

How to reduce Norway rats: 

1. Fix leaks and dripping faucets to remove moisture that attracts pests.
2. Regularly clean trash bins and keep dumpsters tightly closed.
3. Cut back overgrown vegetation around the building to limit potential hiding spots for rats.
4. Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it exposed overnight.

Roof Rats

Roof rats tend to stay outdoors, but may venture inside while searching for food and shelter. If they do wander indoors, they typically nest in attics, rooftops, and chimneys. With excellent climbing abilities, they navigate tree branches and power lines to access buildings or squeeze through openings as small as a quarter.

These rodents have fur ranging from light to dark brown and are slightly smaller than Norway rats, reaching up to 8 inches in length. While they prefer seeds and plant-based foods, their constant search for another meal means they’ll eat whatever is available. Their sharp teeth enable them to chew through plastic, soft metals, and other barriers to access food. They’re also known for stockpiling supplies.

Signs of an infestation include gnaw marks, electrical damage from chewed wires inside walls and ceilings, greasy smudges along frequently traveled routes, and droppings about ½ inch long with pointed ends.

How to reduce Roof rats:

1. Trim tree branches to prevent rats from accessing the roof and finding entry points into the building.
2. Check the roof for any gaps or cracks, and seal them thoroughly.
3. Maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas and store all food in tightly sealed containers.
4. Regularly remove trash and waste, ensuring dumpsters remain securely closed.

Start Your Commercial Pest Control Journey

A rodent problem can escalate quickly without professional intervention. Partnering with a pest control expert like Florida Pest Control helps protect your business in both the present, and the future. A trained technician will inspect your property, identify the rodent species, and implement targeted strategies for removal and ongoing prevention.

One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is spotting a live or dead rodent. If you see a mouse or rat near your business, take action immediately by reaching out to a pest control specialist.

Have you seen any signs of rodent activity? Contact us today to schedule a service.

Congratulations on moving into your first home! It’s an exciting accomplishment that you should celebrate. It can also be incredibly challenging; no matter how prepared you think you are, homeownership will always have some new surprise waiting around the corner. Lawn care is one of those things that can sneak up on you, especially if you have other things on your mind. That’s where the Florida Pest Control team can help; we’re here to make your lawn care a lot easier. Read on for a few useful tips from our team.

What New Homeowners Should Know About Their Lawns

There are a few things you should try to find out about your lawn before you begin. You might be able to get this information from the seller, so make sure you ask them. If they aren’t sure or you weren’t able to ask them, we can help you find out the following:

• Grass species. Different species of grass will require different types of fertilizer and amounts of water.

• Presence of irrigation system. Does the property come with a sprinkler system already installed, and if so, where are the water spigots located?

• Amount of shade. How much shade does the lawn get in summer? You may be able to tell on your own.

And finally, it’s important to consider how much time you have to dedicate to lawn care. Many lawns fall into disrepair simply because homeowners don’t have time for upkeep. But that’s just why we’re here – to help you keep your lawn looking great while you keep your mind on other things.

What Goes Into Lawn Care?

A lot more goes into lawn care than some people think. Below are just a few of the things your lawn will need to thrive in Florida’s climate.

Consistent Watering

A watering schedule is important for your lawn’s health. Depending on the weather, you may need to change the amount or frequency of watering to avoid over- or underwatering your lawn. Not sure if you’re giving your lawn the right amount of water? Consulting an expert is always a great idea.

Lawn Pest Control

Your lawn is susceptible to fungal diseases and pest infestations, which can be difficult or impossible to treat on your own. A professional can help you mitigate these problems, and help your lawn recover if they arise.

Lawn Fertilization

It’s not just your garden plants – your lawn needs fertilizer to survive and thrive as well! However, you can’t just throw any old fertilizer into your lawn. The amount is also important; too little fertilizer means that your lawn won’t get the nutrients it needs, but too much fertilizer can increase the risk of weeds and fungus growth.

Lawn Aeration

Aerating your lawn involves punching small holes in the lawn thatch (the layer of roots and dead grass leaves at the base of your lawn) to allow more water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. This has a number of benefits, including a potentially more lush and green lawn.

DIY Lawn Care vs. Hiring a Professional

Certain lawn care services – such as mowing and watering – are simple enough to handle on your own with a little guidance. Others, like fertilization and aeration, are best handled by a professional. That’s where the Florida Pest Control team comes in. We can assess your lawn’s needs and address them all with ease.

Book Your Free Inspection and Consultation

If you have any questions at all about your lawn’s health, don’t hesitate to bring those questions to the Florida Pest Control team. We offer free inspections and consultations to help homeowners just like you keep their lawns healthy and beautiful year-round.

Give us a call to get started!