Many people are scared of wasps, and while this isn’t unusual or even irrational the thought of coming face to face with a wasp is enough to make some people run a mile. While some wasps such as the Bald Faced Hornet are in fact dangerous due to their ability to inflict a pretty nasty sting, most wasps found in North America are relatively harmless.

Wasps like the Bald Faced Hornet give wasps a bad rap, but all wasps are very important to the ecosystem. Wildlife expert and conservationist Scott Tucker recently appeared on WTNH’s weekend show Good Morning Connecticut Weekend where together with his young son, Race, discussed just how vital wasps are to the ecosystem.

Host Chris Velardi interviewed Scott and Race and was appeared pleasantly surprised to hear that one of the most common wasps found in North America, the Polistes Dominula is in fact quite docile and harmless to humans. Scott Tucker brought a nest containing some Polistes Dominulas and pointed out that the Polistes Dominula is often mistaken for the Yellow Jacket wasp, and the best thing to do when you find them is to leave them alone. Tucker told Velardi that wasps do a great deal of good by culling fly and caterpillar populations – two insects that are decimating our plant and tree populations. Tucker also added that wasps help with pollination.

Tucker also added that the Polistes Dominula arrived from Europe around 30 years ago, most likely on a ship and are better left alone as they are a kinder gentler species of wasp. He did note however, that the Bald Faced Hornet, distinctive due to its white face can be aggressive and defensive – but they are usually only found in football sized nests in trees.