Don’t fear the name. While parasitic wasps may sound like something straight out of a horror movie, they are in fact, a protector of your lawn. These little wasps help remove insects and pests from your grass to keep it looking great year-round. However, when large numbers start to appear in your yard, that may be a sign that you have a grub infestation and need to act.
Skip to: Why Are Red Parasitic Wasps in My Lawn? Are Red Parasitic Wasps Dangerous? How To Identify a Red Parasitic Wasp? How Do I Treat Lawn Grubs? How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs?
Why Are Red Parasitic Wasps in My Lawn?
If these wasps are in your lawn, it is usually an indicator that you have lawn grubs. These wasps play an important ecological role by targeting lawn grubs during their life cycle. Female wasps lay their eggs in or on host insects such as lawn grubs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae develop by feeding on the host, naturally reducing pest populations beneath the soil surface.
Are Red Parasitic Wasps Dangerous?
Although the name parasitic wasp often conjures the image of an aggressive stinging insect to mind, these red wasps will rarely attack unless provoked. The insects are not considered dangerous, do not build nests, and are not territorial. In the unlikely event of one stinging you, their sting will only cause some minor irritation that is usually short-lived.
How To Identify A Red Parasitic Wasp?
The insect has a few defining features that you should look for to identify it:
- Red or Orange colour
- Long thin body
- Long Antennae
- Blue or opaque wings.
- Seen flying low above the grass looking for grubs
What Should I Do?
If you find an excessive number of these wasps in your lawn, it may mean that you currently have lawn grubs in your grass. You should perform a grub test to determine whether you have lawn grubs. This is a simple test that involves mixing some dish soap with water and pouring the mixture on your lawn. For more information you can head to our blog on lawn grub identification.
How Do I Treat Lawn Grubs?
If lawn grubs are present, what can you do? We recommend using a fast acting knock down insecticide like Lawn Solutions Battle. Battle Insecticide, which is available on the lawn store, is a knock down and residual pesticide that works by effecting lawn grubs that come in to contact with treated surfaces.
How Can I Prevent Lawn Grubs?
Is having these wasps and grubs in your lawn something that worries you? If so, we recommend using a preventative insecticide on your lawn. Grub Guard Ultimate, Acelepryn GR, and Acelepryn Liquid are all great options for safe and effective control of lawn grubs while not harming other non-target organisms like red wasps, bees, and earthworms.
Ensure that when using the products mentioned in this blog, always use as per the label instructions.
If you are in need of advice to identify and treat issues with your lawn, get in touch with Lawn Solutions or your local Lawn Solutions Australia member.
