1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Recap of December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector In this month&#8217;s webinar, we focused on Hymenoptera, an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets and more. Hymenoptera is an extremely diverse order of insects. Some feed on plants and others are predatory or parasitic. Many Hymenoptera are beneficial insects and provide [&#8230;]

<h2>Recap of December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector</h2>
<p>In this month&#8217;s webinar, we focused on Hymenoptera, an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets and more. Hymenoptera is an extremely diverse order of insects. Some feed on plants and others are predatory or parasitic. Many Hymenoptera are beneficial insects and provide unique ecosystem services like pollination or nutrient recycling. We utilize many for biological control agents to help control pests in agriculture, horticulture and beyond. While this order has many beneficial species, there are some invasive species too!</p>
<p>Two notable species that we are on the lookout for in Florida are the Northern Giant Hornet (<em>Vespa mandarinia</em>) and the Yellow-legged hornet (<em>Vespa velutina</em>). Both species are native to Asia. While recent news stories may have alarmed folks about these two species, the main concern is the potential harm they can cause to honey bee hives. They can very quickly kill off a bee hive. Both species can sting humans, but this is usually not life threatening for folks without an allergy to bee/wasp stings. Both species have been spotted in other states in the U.S., but to date, none have been found in Florida.</p>
<p>Another pest we discussed was the Africanized honey bee (<em>Apis mellifera scutellata)</em> which is a subspecies of the honey bee that many beekeepers manage throughout the world. The subspecies is originally from Africa but has been introduced to Central and South America and Southern parts of the U.S. including Florida. The Africanized honey bee looks very similar to other subspecies but it tends to be much more aggressive, swarms more frequently and is less selective about its nesting sites. If you encounter an aggressive hive out in the field or near your home, you should slowly back away from the hive and consult a professional. If the bees attack, run away from the hive and keep running. Cover your nose and mouth to prevent bees from entering the airways. Avoid jumping in water as the bees may wait for you to emerge. If possible, run to a protected area like a building or car. If you have severe stings, or are allergic to bees, seek medical attention.</p>
<h3>Resources on invasive hornets, wasps, ants, and more</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/sustainable-fire-ant-control/">UF Fire Ant Control Recommendations</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1281">UF EDIS on the Northern Giant Hornet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/honey-bees/ngh/northern-giant-hornet">USDA Resources on Northern Giant Hornet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN790">UF EDIS Africanized Honey Bee</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/Yellow-Legged-Hornet">FDACS Yellow-legged Hornet Resources </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/honey-bees/yellow-legged-hornet">USDA Resources on Yellow-legged Hornet</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Resources for Florida Beekeepers</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Bees-Apiary/Apiary-Inspection">FDACS Apiary Inspections Information</a></li>
<li><a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/beekeeper-resources/">UF Beekeepers Resources </a></li>
<li><a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/">UF Honeybee Research and Extension Lab</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Want to watch the recording?</h2>
<p><iframe title="December First Friday with Florida First Detector: Invasive Wasps, Hornets, and Ants" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HRoAARl2jg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h2>What is the upcoming schedule?</h2>
<p>We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the <strong>First Friday</strong> of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2023/07/17/first-fridays-with-ffd-24/">this blog</a> for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024.</p>
<h2>Questions?</h2>
<p>Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, <a href="mailto:morgan0402@ufl.edu">morgan0402@ufl.edu</a></p>
<p>Or</p>
<p>Visit the <a href="http://www.flfirstdetector.com/">Florida First Detector Website</a></p>


Recap of December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector
In this month’s webinar, we focused on Hymenoptera, an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets and more. Hymenoptera is an extremely diverse order of insects. Some feed on plants and others are predatory or parasitic. Many Hymenoptera are beneficial insects and provide unique ecosystem services like pollination or nutrient recycling. We utilize many for biological control agents to help control pests in agriculture, horticulture and beyond. While this order has many beneficial species, there are some invasive species too!
Two notable species that we are on the lookout for in Florida are the Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) and the Yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina). Both species are native to Asia. While recent news stories may have alarmed folks about these two species, the main concern is the potential harm they can cause to honey bee hives. They can very quickly kill off a bee hive. Both species can sting humans, but this is usually not life threatening for folks without an allergy to bee/wasp stings. Both species have been spotted in other states in the U.S., but to date, none have been found in Florida.
Another pest we discussed was the Africanized honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) which is a subspecies of the honey bee that many beekeepers manage throughout the world. The subspecies is originally from Africa but has been introduced to Central and South America and Southern parts of the U.S. including Florida. The Africanized honey bee looks very similar to other subspecies but it tends to be much more aggressive, swarms more frequently and is less selective about its nesting sites. If you encounter an aggressive hive out in the field or near your home, you should slowly back away from the hive and consult a professional. If the bees attack, run away from the hive and keep running. Cover your nose and mouth to prevent bees from entering the airways. Avoid jumping in water as the bees may wait for you to emerge. If possible, run to a protected area like a building or car. If you have severe stings, or are allergic to bees, seek medical attention.
Resources on invasive hornets, wasps, ants, and more
UF Fire Ant Control Recommendations
UF EDIS on the Northern Giant Hornet
USDA Resources on Northern Giant Hornet
UF EDIS Africanized Honey Bee
FDACS Yellow-legged Hornet Resources 
USDA Resources on Yellow-legged Hornet
Resources for Florida Beekeepers
FDACS Apiary Inspections Information
UF Beekeepers Resources 
UF Honeybee Research and Extension Lab
Want to watch the recording?

What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2024. Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept 2023-2024.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website

Recap of December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector In this month’s webinar, we focused on Hymenoptera, an order of insects that includes wasps, bees, ants, hornets and more. Hymenoptera is an extremely diverse order of insects. Some feed on plants and others are predatory or parasitic. Many Hymenoptera are beneficial insects and provide […]

December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector

There has been a lot of publicity surrounding the Asian giant hornet in the United States, but as of today, the hornets (Vespa mandarinia) have only been found in Washington state. Of course, insects can be transported across state lines and it is always a good idea to watch and observe insects you find in [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3042" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3042" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2020/11/04/bees-and-wasps-what-to-know-and-when-to-be-concerned/cicada-killer-wasp-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-3042"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-3042 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Measurement of cicada killer wasp" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2020/11/cicada-killer-wasp-3-300x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3042" class="wp-caption-text">Cicada killer wasps are large wasps with a striped or black abdomen. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
<p>There has been a lot of publicity surrounding the Asian giant hornet in the United States, but as of today, the hornets (<em>Vespa mandarinia</em>) have only been found in Washington state. Of course, insects can be transported across state lines and it is always a good idea to watch and observe insects you find in your landscape. We do want you to be aware of the bees and wasps found in central Florida and how many are beneficial insects, meaning they help control plant pests in your yard by doing things like feeding upon them.  It is important to identify an insect before you eradicate it, and <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">your local UF/IFAS Extension Service</a> can help you with that.</p>
<p>First, it is important that we don&#8217;t confuse one of our beneficial wasps for the Asian giant hornet. In particular, <a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/cicada_killers.htm">the cicada killer wasp</a> is one of the largest wasps in Florida and doesn&#8217;t look like it would be a desirable insect. The cicada killer wasp is actually a beneficial insect that constructs small mounds in the soil as it is a ground-nesting insect.<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2020/10/30/imposter-identities-murder-hornets-vs-eastern-cicada-killers/"> This large wasp can look scary, and it the most common local wasp that is currently being mistaken for the Asian giant hornet.  This blog post has some great photos and information on the cicada killer wasp. </a></p>
<p>Additionally, there are other bees and wasps doing good work in your landscape. Mason bees, miner bees, sweat bees, and honeybees all provide valuable pollination services.  Parasitic wasps are also beneficial.  They are often very small, and not easily confused with large hornets.</p>
<figure id="attachment_3036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3036" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2020/11/04/bees-and-wasps-what-to-know-and-when-to-be-concerned/img_e3419/" rel="attachment wp-att-3036"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3036 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Dirt mounds indicate a ground nesting bee or wasp is present. Photo credit: Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2020/11/IMG_E3419-300x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3036" class="wp-caption-text">Dirt mounds indicate a ground nesting bee or wasp is present. Photo credit: Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension</figcaption></figure>
<p>Finally, there are <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in238">hornets and yellowjackets</a>, which can be found throughout Florida (and beyond). While they do provide valuable services consuming pest insects, nests near homes are not wanted and can be problematic.  Be cautious when removing or call a professional.</p>
<p>Just remember, it is always important to identify and insect before deciding to eradicate it.</p>
<h6>More on the Asian Giant Hornet</h6>
<p><a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/FAQ_AGH.pdf">Asian Giant Hornet FAQ</a></p>
<p><a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/BEES/Vespa_mandarinia.html">Featured Creatures, Asian Giant Hornet</a></p>
<p><a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/media/entnemdeptifasufledu/honeybee/pdfs/ENY_Asian_Giant_Hormet_Infographic_2020.pdf">Information on the Asian giant hornet, and what to do if you think you have spotted one</a></p>
<h6>Helpful resources on bees and wasps:</h6>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2016/04/11/wasps-are-good/">Benefits of wasps</a></p>
<p><a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1255">Attracting native bees to your landscape</a></p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/entnemdept/2020/05/22/pollinator-wanna-bees/">Red and black mason bees</a></p>
<p>For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at <a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk">http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk</a>.  The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call, or email us at <a href="mailto:polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu">polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu</a>.</p>
<p>If you are not in Polk County, Contact your<a href="http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/"> local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic</a>.</p>
<p>The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida.  The program  extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible.</p>
<p>An Equal Opportunity Institution.</p>


Cicada killer wasps are large wasps with a striped or black abdomen. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Extension
There has been a lot of publicity surrounding the Asian giant hornet in the United States, but as of today, the hornets (Vespa mandarinia) have only been found in Washington state. Of course, insects can be transported across state lines and it is always a good idea to watch and observe insects you find in your landscape. We do want you to be aware of the bees and wasps found in central Florida and how many are beneficial insects, meaning they help control plant pests in your yard by doing things like feeding upon them.  It is important to identify an insect before you eradicate it, and your local UF/IFAS Extension Service can help you with that.
First, it is important that we don’t confuse one of our beneficial wasps for the Asian giant hornet. In particular, the cicada killer wasp is one of the largest wasps in Florida and doesn’t look like it would be a desirable insect. The cicada killer wasp is actually a beneficial insect that constructs small mounds in the soil as it is a ground-nesting insect. This large wasp can look scary, and it the most common local wasp that is currently being mistaken for the Asian giant hornet.  This blog post has some great photos and information on the cicada killer wasp. 
Additionally, there are other bees and wasps doing good work in your landscape. Mason bees, miner bees, sweat bees, and honeybees all provide valuable pollination services.  Parasitic wasps are also beneficial.  They are often very small, and not easily confused with large hornets.
Dirt mounds indicate a ground nesting bee or wasp is present. Photo credit: Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension
Finally, there are hornets and yellowjackets, which can be found throughout Florida (and beyond). While they do provide valuable services consuming pest insects, nests near homes are not wanted and can be problematic.  Be cautious when removing or call a professional.
Just remember, it is always important to identify and insect before deciding to eradicate it.
More on the Asian Giant Hornet
Asian Giant Hornet FAQ
Featured Creatures, Asian Giant Hornet
Information on the Asian giant hornet, and what to do if you think you have spotted one
Helpful resources on bees and wasps:
Benefits of wasps
Attracting native bees to your landscape
Red and black mason bees
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk.  The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic.
The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida.  The program  extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.

There has been a lot of publicity surrounding the Asian giant hornet in the United States, but as of today, the hornets (Vespa mandarinia) have only been found in Washington state. Of course, insects can be transported across state lines and it is always a good idea to watch and observe insects you find in […]

Bees and Wasps: What to know and when to be concerned

As Hurricane Michael was barreling through the Panhandle region, wasp populations were at their highest of the year. Winds and flooding destroyed many of the nests of paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets and now wasps may be aggressive as they defend themselves or remnants of their nests. All are capable of multiple stings that [&#8230;]

<p>As Hurricane Michael was barreling through the Panhandle region, wasp populations were at their highest of the year.  Winds and flooding destroyed many of the nests of paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets and now wasps may be aggressive as they defend themselves or remnants of their nests.   All are capable of multiple stings that are very painful. It is very likely that you will encounter stinging wasps as they scavenge for food and water, as well as seek shelter among debris and exposed trash.</p>
<figure id="attachment_27229" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27229" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/waltonco/wp-content/blogs.dir/157/files/2018/10/paperwasp.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-27229 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Paper wasp on flower" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/waltonco/wp-content/blogs.dir/157/files/2018/10/paperwasp-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27229" class="wp-caption-text">Many people are stung by paper wasps after storms. They are not attracted to traps.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Here are a few pointers to help deal with stinging wasps.</p>
<ul>
<li>Try not to swat at wasps flying around or landing on you. You may be less likely to receive a sting if you can flick them off.</li>
<li>Some wasps are attracted to the sap from broken or recently cut trees. Look before you reach. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when moving debris in case you disturb foraging or nesting activities.</li>
<li>Wasps are also attracted to sugars and water. Try your best to keep food and drink cans covered. Completely close garbage containers or bags that contain food debris.</li>
<li>Repellents are not effective against wasps.  There are pesticides labeled to spray on smaller paper wasp nests if you find one in a spot close to people&#8217;s activity.  These are usually aerosol pyrethroids or pyrethrins.  Make sure you read the label carefully and use the product as directed.</li>
<li>Do not use non labeled products like gasoline to manage wasps.  This is not only illegal but can be dangerous to yourself and the environment.</li>
<li>There are traps for yellowjackets that you may purchase or make.  These only manage those wasps flying around, not any remaining in a ground nest.</li>
</ul>
<p>Here is a Do It Yourself Yellowjacket trap from UF IFAS Extension.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cut the top 1/3 off your 2 liter bottle so that you have 2 pieces.</li>
<li>Add a bait (fermenting fruit or beer) to the bottom of the plastic bottle.</li>
<li>Invert the top portion of the bottle into the base, forming a funnel.</li>
<li>Hang or place traps so they are about 4 to 5 feet above the ground. For safety, place them away from people.</li>
</ul>
<figure id="attachment_27228" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27228" style="width: 243px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/waltonco/wp-content/blogs.dir/157/files/2018/10/wasp-picture.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-27228 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Yellowjacket trap" width="243" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/waltonco/wp-content/blogs.dir/157/files/2018/10/wasp-picture-243x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-27228" class="wp-caption-text">A homemade trap to catch yellowjackets. Photo by Alison Zulyniak</figcaption></figure>


As Hurricane Michael was barreling through the Panhandle region, wasp populations were at their highest of the year.  Winds and flooding destroyed many of the nests of paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets and now wasps may be aggressive as they defend themselves or remnants of their nests.   All are capable of multiple stings that are very painful. It is very likely that you will encounter stinging wasps as they scavenge for food and water, as well as seek shelter among debris and exposed trash.
Many people are stung by paper wasps after storms. They are not attracted to traps.
Here are a few pointers to help deal with stinging wasps.
Try not to swat at wasps flying around or landing on you. You may be less likely to receive a sting if you can flick them off.
Some wasps are attracted to the sap from broken or recently cut trees. Look before you reach. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when moving debris in case you disturb foraging or nesting activities.
Wasps are also attracted to sugars and water. Try your best to keep food and drink cans covered. Completely close garbage containers or bags that contain food debris.
Repellents are not effective against wasps.  There are pesticides labeled to spray on smaller paper wasp nests if you find one in a spot close to people’s activity.  These are usually aerosol pyrethroids or pyrethrins.  Make sure you read the label carefully and use the product as directed.
Do not use non labeled products like gasoline to manage wasps.  This is not only illegal but can be dangerous to yourself and the environment.
There are traps for yellowjackets that you may purchase or make.  These only manage those wasps flying around, not any remaining in a ground nest.
Here is a Do It Yourself Yellowjacket trap from UF IFAS Extension.
Cut the top 1/3 off your 2 liter bottle so that you have 2 pieces.
Add a bait (fermenting fruit or beer) to the bottom of the plastic bottle.
Invert the top portion of the bottle into the base, forming a funnel.
Hang or place traps so they are about 4 to 5 feet above the ground. For safety, place them away from people.
A homemade trap to catch yellowjackets. Photo by Alison Zulyniak

As Hurricane Michael was barreling through the Panhandle region, wasp populations were at their highest of the year. Winds and flooding destroyed many of the nests of paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets and now wasps may be aggressive as they defend themselves or remnants of their nests. All are capable of multiple stings that […]

Stinging Wasps Active After Storms

Insects

Insectos

<p>Any of numerous winged hymenopterous insects of social as well as solitary habits and having formidable stings.</p>
<p><em>Vespidae</em></p>

Wasps

Avispas

Vespidae (yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, etc)

Family: Vespidae (yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, etc)

Industry

Sciences

Farms

UF/IFAS Extension Initiative 1: Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

<p><span>The science or practice of farming, including growing crops and raising animals for the production of food, fiber, fuel and other products. [NALT]</span></p>
<p><span>Agriculture or farming is the cultivation and breeding of animals, plants and fungi for food, fiber, biofuel, medicinal plants and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. [AGROVOC]</span></p>

Wasps

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Vespidae (yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps, etc)

Publications

American Sand Wasp (suggested common name), Bembix americana Fabricius, 1793 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Crabronidae: Bembicinae)

Wasps and Bees

Related IFAS Blog Posts

December 2023 First Friday with Florida First Detector

Bees and Wasps: What to know and when to be concerned

Stinging Wasps Active After Storms

Broader Topics

Insects

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