While most people dislike or even loathe wasps, they actually play an important part in out ecosystem. Their most important role is as a predator, keeping everything in balance. While not to the same extent as bees, wasps are undeniable pollinators; they also eat a lot of garden pests who destroy crops. In fact, wasps are even used as an effective and sustainable version to pesticides! Of course, some people do use poison to kill wasps, but that's not really the wasp's fault, is it? People only rarely intentionally use pesiticides on bees, who also sting*; what reason is there for all of it to be used on wasps*, who have extremely similar downsides and both similar and different benefits? And as for their sting, only about 1-3% of wasps actually sting. (I found a few different estimates.) Of course, wasps are still potentially dangerous, especially should you have a wasp allergy. However, their benefits cannot be logically denied. Pest control and pollination in the home garden; reducing pesticides in commercial farms; keeping the ecosystem in balance; and only 1-3% that sting. I think that wasps should definately get an improvement in their reputation. 

*Please note: bees are still completely and brutally mauled by pesticides and I do not mean to say that is not an issue, because it is, and a severe one too. But wasps are also mauled by pesticides. And intentionally!

*Also, I have NO WISH WHATSOEVER for people to start using pesticides on bees. That would be awful. I'm only trying to point out a fundamental flaw in "reasoning", if you can call it that. While it is possible that it seems this way, I have absoloutely no desire to say that bees are not important, as well. THEY ARE. But wasps are too, and they deserve all of the love and conservation of the former. 

I, as a person who has been stung 9 times (a majority of which have been by wasps), do not dislike wasps, and Blackfooted Bobcat has proven that they have many benefits for our ecosystem.

The main reason I would be against wasps is because they sting, and although bees can sting as well, unlike bees, wasps can sting more than once during an attack because their stingers remain intact. However, a wasp's sting is generally used for defence. If a wasp's hive is threatened, they sting to defend it; if you provoke a wasp, it will try to defend itself. It is rare that a wasp will sting you just because. Also, if you get stung, (unless you're allergic) there are ways to treat it easily without the need of a medical expert.

I don't mind wasps and I certanly don't hate them, but I would gladly spray down a nest of the little beasts.

Because I have been stung too many times to be comfortable around them.

Also, wasps, (unlike bees) like to make their nests in high traffic areas for people. On their porches, under stairs, up in the rafters in our barn, which is why they get killed more often than other insects.

If they just lived away from people then they wouldn't have to get killed! Their stings are also uncomfitable, even if you aren't highly allergic to them.

I have a new debate topic. Debate in defense of your favorite painter.