naturalpestcontrol

Wasps are often portrayed as one of “the bad guys” in the insect world. But part of that common misconception comes from a lack of knowledge or understanding about wasps in general and stereotypes that don’t apply to most wasp species.

The truth is that wasps are extremely diverse and what most of us think of when we think of a “wasp” makes up only the tiniest percentage of all wasps out there. In fact, there are likely many different species of wasps that haven’t even been identified yet. And wasps play an extremely important role in the ecosystem – one that is often overlooked and not well-understood.

In this episode of the Backyard Ecology podcast, we are joined by Louis Nastasi who is a self-proclaimed ambassador for wasps. Louis is a PhD candidate at Penn State’s Frost Entomological Museum which is Penn State’s research collection of insects and other arthropods. He also founded and is one of the instructors for the Wasp ID Course, which will have its second session in January 2023.

During our conversation, Louis and I dive into the fascinating diversity of wasps, especially parasitoid wasps, and their vital roles in the ecosystem. Louis believes that a lot of the misconceptions around wasps are due to a lack of recognition of just how diverse wasps are. Contrary to popular belief, most wasps aren’t capable of stinging people and many are the size of a speck of dust.

Like with the first episode that Louis was on, our conversation takes many twists and turns. We talk a lot about parasitoid wasps and just how amazing it is that many of these parasitoid relationships developed in the first place. (One of the wasps we talk about lays its eggs in diving beetle eggs which are found underwater!) We also discuss how much we don’t know about these species and how much there is still to learn. But through it all, Louis’s passion for wasps and wasp education shines through.

Links:

• Louis’s contact info:
  • Email: LFN5093@PSU.edu
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/toomanywasps

• Wasp ID Course
  • Website: https://WaspIDCourse.WordPress.com/
  • Twitter: @WaspIDCourse
    • https://twitter.com/WaspIDCourse/

  • Email: waspIDcourse@gmail.com

• Other Resources:
  • Forbes, A.A., Bagley, R.K., Beer, M.A. et al. Quantifying the unquantifiable: why Hymenoptera, not Coleoptera, is the most speciose animal order. BMC Ecol 18, 21 (2018). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12898-018-0176-x
  • Wasps: Their Biology, Diversity, and Role as Beneficial Insects and Pollinators of Native Plants [hardcover] Heather N. Holm February, 2021 * : https://amzn.to/3fMZAho

• Wasp related video clips (including the fairy wasp one) from Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough:
  • Underwater wasps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxg
  • Oak Tree and Wasp Eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXccvoJThI
  • Paper colony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003lcxv

• Life in the Undergrowth hosted by David Attenborough (Full Documentary)*: https://amzn.to/3zYkGQU
• Related Backyard Ecology Resources:
  • Galls: Amazingly Diverse and Fascinating Plant Growths: https://www.backyardecology.net/galls-amazingly-diverse-and-fascinating-plant-growths/
  • American Pelecinid Wasp: A Unique and Fascinating Critter: https://www.backyardecology.net/american-pelecinid-wasp-a-unique-and-fascinating-critter/
  • Wasps: Victims of an Often Undeserved Reputation: https://www.backyardecology.net/wasps-victims-of-an-often-undeserved-reputation/
  • Four-toothed Mason Wasp: https://www.backyardecology.net/four-toothed-mason-wasp/
  • Cicada Killers: Not as Menacing as They Appear: https://www.backyardecology.net/cicada-killers/
  • Eastern Red Velvet Ants: Doesn’t Kill Cows and Isn’t an Ant: https://www.backyardecology.net/eastern-red-velvet-ants-doesnt-kill-cows-and-isnt-an-ant/

• Backyard Ecology
  • Website: https://backyardecology.net
  • YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/backyardecology
  • Blog: https://www.backyardecology.net/blog/
  • Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/backyardecology

• Subscribe to Backyard Ecology emails: https://www.backyardecology.net/subscribe/

Episode image:

• A species of Ichneumon wasp, one of our many parasitoid species.
• Photo credit: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain

In this month’s podcast episode we talk to South Australian viticulturist, natural systems thinker, scientist & educator, Dr Mary Retallack.

In 2012 Mary undertook a PhD research study which really challenged the conventions of viticulture by harnessing the power of native insectary plants as a key to managing vineyard pests naturally. Her research, and passion for the topic has culminated in an exciting new project that Mary is spearheading, the National EcoVineyards Program funded by Wine Australia & supported by the Wine Grape Council of South Australia.

Tune in as we take a dive into Mary’s research, the world of native insectaries and why growers are sitting up and listening...

Before you blast those creepy crawlies with toxic chemicals, you may want to consider the fact that poisonous pesticides are designed to kill living organisms. Think they’re not harming your health? Think again. According to the U.S. CDC, Americans now have an average of 43 different pesticides in their bloodstreams. These are chemicals that can trigger everything from nausea, vomiting, and headaches to more serious health concerns, such as lung damage, reproductive problems, and cancer.

Once a single mom on food stamps, Kari Warberg Block, challenged an industry that by its nature is toxic. As the Founder & CEO of EarthKind, Kari discovered that 98% of pest control solutions sold were poison & kill methods – so she set out to invent a better solution: plant-based pest control powered by nature. Kari is joined by Rita Stadler, the Marketing Supervisor at EarthKind. Together, they reveal how we can rid our homes and schools of pests without harming them, the most common ways pests and rodents enter our homes, how pets contribute to pesky insect infestations, and can also be harmed by toxic pest control products including rodenticides and insecticides. Kari and Rita share misconceptions about the efficacy of natural pest control solutions and why integrated pest management (IPM) is vital today. They wrap the show explaining why ingredient transparency is key and why you should avoid those you can’t pronounce. Finally, Kari shares what EarthKind is doing to empower and educate teachers and students through their Harmony Hero Award.

Join us for an exploration of microbial magic with Dr. Christo Miliotis, eco-entrepreneur and microorganism enthusiast. From gut & soil health to delectable foods, pest & weed control to hydrogen gas, learn how microbes are the key to a thriving future. A renaissance man whose passion for microbes has led him from farm to food and beyond, Christo is a tireless inventor. Guided by the principles of regenerative biodynamic agriculture he’s developed “Agent Green,” an organic fertilizer and weed killer along with a leaf fertilizer and insecticide he’s named “Bee Friendly.” His love of fermentation inspired a beet kvass he’s calling “Up Beet” and a special concoction he’s christened “Fire In The Belly” that contains everything required for optimal nutrition. Christo is even taking his obsession with microbes to the screen with his upcoming documentary entitled “The Universe Beneath Our Feet.” This conversation will open your eyes to an unseen world that shapes the very fabric of our lives. More info and resources mentioned in this interview can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/08/15/32-the-magic-of-microbes-w-dr-christo-miliotis/