There is now a concise sanswer olution for those who have wondered what the point of wasps is. They eat pest insects voraciously, contain potent antibiotics in their venom, pollinate seeds, and even make a tasty snack. In the first major research study of the ecological services provided by the much-hated insects, the benefits to humans are exposed. It is based on the 33,000 recognized species of hunting wasps that bear stings and can be found in any part of the globe. Bad Rep (Photo : Wasps; Friend or Foe?) Yellowjackets and hornets, the picnic predators that have earned wasps a poor reputation, account for just a limited percentage of all wasp populations. However, they also offer unnoticed assistance, such as sweeping up caterpillars from vegetable gardens. The venom of yellowjackets is also being studied as a possible cancer cure.