Nest sites of common and German wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

In this study just over half of established nests of common wasps (Vespula vulgaris) and German wasps (V. germanica) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) found in suburban localities were in the ground, with about a third in the walls or roofs of dwellings. In contrast, nearly all the nests in forests were in the ground. The two species established nests in subtly different but broadly similar types of sites in urban areas, so the nests of each species are equally likely to be encountered by people. The availability of nest sites is unlikely to limit urban wasp numbers. The more abundant common wasps do not alter the type of nest site occupied by German wasps in towns. Common wasp colonies in the ground reached larger sizes than those established elsewhere. The relative sizes of nests in different positions were markedly different in the two species.

Within honeydew beech forest, wasp nests are clustered in the same patches in successive years. There are more nests in sunny areas and near water, so these are the sites to search first to destroy nests for wasp nuisance abatement.

Keywords:

• nest sites
• common wasp
• Vespula vulgaris
• German wasp
• Vespula germanica
• competition