Wasps Or What?

[Jennykenny]

Big heavy ivy growth on the back wall has flowered this year for the first time and lots of waspy looking beasts abounding. Should I be worried?
We got badly stung a couple of years ago when they made a nest in our compost bin.

[Baldric]

Time for a bit of pruning?

[gingejbee]

No, don't worry...I notice wasps on ivy flowers at this time every year...it's about the only thing for them at this time...they'll soon disappear.

[Chipchopper]

Ivy is an excellent late late nectar source for all manor of wasps, hornets and hover flies etc, when there is little else around at this time of year.
Although I react to wasp stings badly, I find that while they're busy collecting nectar, they will be unlikely to bother you, if you don't bother them.
Last time I got stung, it was from a wasp that had become trapped in the house.
If I see a nest around, you won't see me for dust!, that's when they really get protective and go into attack mode.

[Jennykenny]

Thank you Chip, but what are wasps doing with collecting nectar??

[Chipchopper]

Thanks Jenny,
As well as feeding on things like aphids wasps are also very fond of sweet things like rotting fruit and nectar.
There is a plant that grows around the woodland ponds near me, called 'water figwort' that has evolved to be pollinated by wasps, I guess if the wasps become scarce, then so will the plants that rely on them to be pollinated.