Who are these intimidating, giant wasps in Hungary? Here’s what to know about them
As the warm season arrives, many in Hungary may notice large, slow-flying wasps hovering near compost heaps, rotting wood, or garden lawns. These intimidating-looking insects are mammoth wasps (also known as Megascolia maculata), and while their appearance can be alarming, experts are urging the public not to panic — they are harmless to humans and pets and play a vital ecological role.
Might look intimidating, but they’re useful
From May until late summer, these solitary wasps — especially the giant mammoth wasp, which can grow up to five centimetres long — become more visible in parks, gardens, and forest edges, InfoStart writes. According to the Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society (MME), these insects are not aggressive and rarely sting unless provoked. Even then, their sting is not designed to defend against humans but to paralyse beetle larvae, which serve as hosts for their offspring.
Unlike the commonly feared yellow-and-black social wasps (like hornets), mammoth wasps do not build nests or swarm humans. Their striking size and buzzing flight close to the ground are part of their natural behaviour while searching for beetle grubs — primarily larvae of cockchafers, stag beetles, and rose chafers — hidden in decaying wood or soil.
Chemical-free pest control
The female wasp uses her sting to inject venom into a grub, paralysing it before laying an egg on it. The wasp larva then feeds on the still-living host, effectively regulating beetle populations in a completely natural way. This makes mammoth wasps an important part of chemical-free pest control in gardens, parks, and orchards.
Importantly, some species of these wasps are protected in Hungary, and killing them is not only unnecessary but also illegal. The giant mammoth wasp, for example, is legally protected and has a conservation value of HUF 50,000 (EUR 124). Unfortunately, many are killed each year due to misinformation and panic, sometimes even by pest control services that are not properly informed.
Hardworking keeper of gardens
The MME encourages people to learn more about these fascinating creatures rather than fear them. If you spot one in your garden, there is no need to intervene. Simply enjoy a unique opportunity to observe one of Europe’s largest and most intriguing insects.
So next time you see one of these gentle giants buzzing near your compost pile or among your flower beds, remember: they’re not a threat — they’re working to keep your garden healthy, the natural way.
Read more about animals HERE.
Read also: