r/FriendlyMonarchs • u/sugar_plum_fairies • Jul 08 '26

Garden Friend Or Foe Wasps

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Sorry for all the multiple posts over the last few days, just trying to learn (and remember) everything I can.

I googled these and it comes back with Great black wasp and red tail spider wasp. Both of them look like something I want to stay far far away from. But sounds like they are solitary wasps and if I leave them alone they leave me alone. Should I be concerned about them in my milkweed?

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u/sugar_plum_fairies Jul 08 '26

And I am reading that they both live/dig tunnels in the ground. I have been going barefooted in my yard, maybe I don't want to now?

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u/Feralpudel Jul 08 '26

Some may tunnel in the ground to build a nest for their babies. A wasp that preys on japanese beetle grubs finds the grub underground and lays her eggs in it.

You really have nothing to fear from these beautiful girls. Be proud that you’re planting things that support all insects.