The Wasp and the Bee -- A Relationship as Old as Time
Pteromalus wasps, while the bane of bees, is a boon to the gardener. They are considered a beneficial insect. However, they do have the regrettable habit of laying their eggs inside bee larvae. The larvae acts as nest and food for the developing wasp and while the larvae may survive for some time with the egg developing inside them, they are goners for sure when the baby wasp emerges.
Pteromalus Wasp
Should I be concerned?
Yes. But not excessively. A little intervention on your part can go a long way to protect your developing bees. Keep in mind these are beneficial wasps that have been a part of the bees' life dance pretty much from the beginning.
So, what's a beekeeper to do?
Check on your bee house regularly. Spray the tiny fliers with a water bottle and then squish them. They are not harmful to your bees--only the larvae. And, they are good for your garden. To slow this inevitable dance, we recommend protecting your cocoons by pulling filled tubes/trays out of the house and storing them upright in our BeeGuard Pest Prevention Bag for Hole-nesting Bees.
Crown Bees efforts to protect cocoons?
It's a simple fact: The Pteromalus is there. There's no way to tell which cocoons are playing host as they are hidden in the comforting darkness, snacking their way to new life. They emerge 9 to 12 days after incubation begins. About ten to 11 days into the process, we release a gas that does not harm the cocoons, but kills the newly emerged Pteromalus--preventing them from laying eggs in the remaining cocoons. Occasionally, a few may emerge after the gassing period. Late bloomers you might say.
So, while it is rare, it is possible that you could receive a batch of cocoons from which the pesky wasp has emerged. And now--armed with a spray water bottle and a bit of grit and determination--you have the tools to deal with one of natures little inconveniences.