Bees are great but...?

Question

So without bees the world would be screwed. But why do we need wasps, yellow jackets and all those other ones that are dangerous (or seem to be) and mean? I just don't see why they should exist.

Answer 1

They are nowhere near as "dangerous" as you think, unless you are alergic, which is rare.

Cicada Killers, the HUGE wasps that we have around here are so docile that they won't even sting you if you swat at them with a bare hand, they'll just fly away.

Same goes for the HUMONGUS Giant Asian Wasp. Just live and let live. We kill stinging insects by the tens of thousands, and all they do is make us say OUCH!

Answer 2

they are predators for other insects.  Predators are needed because they keep populations in check.  without them, disease could wipe out an entire species.

Answer 3

Most insects fit into the food chain - they are either predators, prey, or (usually) both.    Without them, their prey population would go out of balance on the upside, and their predators would go out of balance on teh downside.

So yes, we (i.e. humans) may not have an immediate need for yellowjackets at our picnics, but if they went extinct, we would very likely find that our picnic spots would soon become a lot less picturesque and enjoyable - as there are a variety of animals that have yellowjackets for lunch (and breakfast and dinner, snacks, etc).