I respect the fact that wasps sting when they feel threatened or disturbed, but I also respect the fact that wasps are beneficial.
Every time I've been stung by a wasp, I've either accidentally disturbed a nest without knowing it was there, or I've disturbed a nest on purpose and paid the price. Recently, I was outside with my 9-week-old puppy, who unknowingly disturbed a wasp nest hidden in a patch of muhly grass near the front door. Luckily, I was close to little Blue (that's his name).
I quickly went to help him, picked him up in my arms and brushed him off at the same time, moving him away from the plant. He was stung twice. This was the first time I had to see a vet. Thankfully, he was fine. Later that day, I removed the wasp nest he was hiding in.
Paper wasps are common in Florida. They often build and attach their papery nests to the eaves and ceilings of buildings. Sometimes they nest in shrubs and ornamental grasses in more open areas, and by summer the nests become numerous. So be careful when pruning or around these plants this time of year. Blue is wary of those muhly grass plants right now.
Hornets are also beneficial. Paper wasps feed primarily on caterpillars. The females use their stinger to paralyze the caterpillars and then bring them back to the nest to feed to the developing wasps. They benefit us as gardeners by reducing the numbers of caterpillars and other plant pests such as cicadas and beetle larvae in our yards and gardens. These insects also feed on plant nectar, helping to pollinate plants and crops.
It may not be wise to tolerate all types of hornets living near your home. Although yellow jackets, a type of hornet, may be considered beneficial hornets, they are too aggressive and likely to sting multiple times, making them unsuitable for living in your neighborhood. Also, the presence of a hornet nest near someone who is allergic to insect bites is a concern.
Just because an insect has the ability to sting doesn't mean it's all bad. Wasps can play a beneficial role, but you'll have to decide how close you allow them to build their nest. Your front porch might be too close.
A link to a UF/IFAS Extension publication with more information on paper wasps is edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1112.
