The virgin vine, often also referred to as wild wine, is a plant not dissimilar to the vine (Vitis), which is not cultivated for the production of grapes, but primarily as an ornamental plant. Virginia creeper is very fast-growing and quickly covers entire walls, house walls and pergolas. In autumn, the plant forms small, round berries that are poisonous to humans but are popular food for birds and wasps.
Wasps like Virginia creeper fruits
Wasps mainly fly to fruit
When the virgin vine shows its inconspicuous blossoms in June and July, the time for the bees begins. The diligent nectar collectors like to fly at the wild wine often, but in many cases they are harmless. The same applies to numerous other insects that also feast on the flower nectar and the fruits of the plant, such as hoverflies. The situation is completely different with wasps, which also increasingly fly to Virginia creeper from around the end of August / beginning of September. However, the stinging insects are less interested in the flowers than in the fruit base and fruits. Since wasps can become very aggressive, especially at the end of summer, Virginia creeper should not be planted near frequently used garden areas - such as the terrace.
Wilder Wein is teeming with life
In general, the dense foliage of the Virginia creeper is teeming with life: Not only do the wasps like to nibble on the fruits of the virgin vine, they also like to build their nests in the dense foliage - as do many species of birds, mice and others small rodent. Incidentally, the latter like to use the tendrils to get to higher floors and thus also into the houses, for example via open windows or the roof. If you plan to cut back, you should, if possible, take the birds' breeding season into account so as not to disturb them while they are rearing their young.
Measures against wasps
Basically, wasps - like all wild animals - are under the protection of the Federal Nature Conservation Act and may not be killed without reason. This means that setting up so-called wasp traps or foaming wasp nests is also prohibited. If the threat is severe, however, it is possible to have the animals removed and relocated by a specialized exterminator. Some local fire departments also have a specially trained wasp expert who can help you with your problem.
tips
Many gardeners swear by wasp traps in which unloved animals drown. Unfortunately, these traps are deadly not only for wasps, but also for other insects such as bees.