In my years of field experience, I’ve encountered countless stinging insects. While North America boasts over 4,400 bee species, wasps and hornets are a different breed entirely. Each has its own quirks and tells.
In this guide, we’ll dive into:
- Distinguishing bees, hornets, and wasps
- Key identifying features of each
- The surprising similarities between carpenter and bumblebees
- Various bee types and their behavior around humans
Let’s demystify these buzzing neighbors of ours.
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Carpenter Bee Vs. Bumblebee
The carpenter bee and bumblebee are in the same family. However, there are several differences between the species we will show you here.
Carpenter Bees
Carpenter bees are about 3/4 to one inch long, are mostly black, and have a shiny, hairless abdomen. Carpenter bees can sting when they feel threatened. They build nests in hollow trees or openings around your home, such as eaves and porches. If none are available, they will excavate unpainted, weathered wood to lay their eggs.
Carpenter bees overwinter individually in hollow tunnels. Those that make it through the winter, usually females, will emerge in spring to mate and build new tunnels.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees look like carpenter bees, but their abdomen is covered in hair. The carpenter bee has a smooth abdomen. Bumblebees also have black and orange markings that carpenter bees do not possess.
Another difference between these two is their nesting habits. Carpenter bees nest above ground, while bumblebees are ground-nesting bees, preferring to make their home in abandoned rodent burrows.
Both species can sting multiple times. Also, both are essential pollinators, making each beneficial to the environment.
Bees vs. Wasps
There are over 18,000 types of wasps in North America. They are neither bee nor ant, yet belong to the same order as both.
They do not build hives or honeycombs like bees. For example, paper wasps construct nests out of a paper-like material they manufacture with tree pulp and saliva.
Wasp nests are typically small, containing between 50 to 100 workers. In contrast, a single beehive can number in the thousands.
Mud daubers are another species of wasp. Instead of making paper nests, they build large structures out of mud.wa
A wasp stings multiple times. However, it will only happen if you actively disturb the nest. And then, it will take a while before you make them angry enough to sting you.
Bees vs. Hornets
European hornets look similar to bees. They have the standard colors of yellow and black alternating down their bodies to warn predators not to bother them.
Hornet nests look similar to that of paper wasps. The fertilized female (queen) lays eggs in each cell, and after about six to eight days, they hatch. Thus, the hornet’s life cycle typically takes about two weeks to complete.
Unlike a honeybee, a hornet stings multiple times without dying. This aggressive stance could explain why hornets are such hardy insects.
Bald-faced hornets are not true hornets but more akin to wasp species. They look nothing like bees or wasps due to their unusual layering of black and white.
Bald-faced hornets are one of the most combative species, repeatedly stinging anyone who gets close to their nest. If you usually have an allergy to bee stings, you will probably need medical help after being stung by bald-faced hornets.
Asian giant hornets attack honey bees and feed off their larvae. They are so aggressive that they can wipe out an entire hive within an hour.
Bees vs. Yellowjackets
Yellowjackets are predatory social wasps that have close to the same color scheme as worker bees. However, unlike honey bees that are hairy, yellowjackets are smooth and nearly hairless.
All species of yellowjackets have either white or yellow on their face. In addition, they have strong mouthparts for chewing insects and sucking nectar and fruit juices.
Yellowjackets build paper nests made from the pulp of wood fibers. Although you will find them in outdoor areas, they prefer to protect these small structures in locations around houses, including:
- Under porches and patios
- Openings in eaves and overhangs
- Attics
- Crawl spaces
- Tool sheds
German yellowjackets are an invasive species that sometimes build their nests in attic spaces. Their colonies can reach over 15,000 workers. That means their nests can be as much as five feet wide and three feet deep.
What Are Bees?
Most people imagine a bumblebee or honey bee when they hear the term “bee,” but the word has a much broader meaning.
A bee is any member of the scientific Apidae family, including insects that fly and collect nectar and pollen. Not all of them sting, but many do, so it is best to be careful around them.
Anatomy
Bees share many traits with other insects. They possess strong exoskeletons that protect their fragile bodies. They have three body segments, including the head, abdomen, and thorax.
Because bees count as insects, they have three pairs of legs. Most will also have two pairs of wings and round, fluffy bodies.
Do Bees Always Sting You?
Most bees can sting, but they tend to avoid humans as much as possible. The bee’s stinger is barbed and cannot be removed from its enemy’s flesh.
Unfortunately, when the bee tries to fly away, it leaves behind part of its abdomen and digestive tract. Consequently, the bee dies shortly thereafter.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
Bees share many traits with other insects. They possess strong exoskeletons that protect their fragile bodies. They have three body segments, including the head, abdomen, and thorax.
Are Bees, Hornets, and Wasps Dangerous?
While bees, hornets, and wasps play crucial roles in our ecosystem, they can pose certain risks to humans. Here’s a breakdown of the potential dangers associated with each:
Bees
- Most bees are generally non-aggressive and will only sting when threatened.
- Honey bees can only sting once, as their stinger detaches after use, leading to the bee’s death.
- For most people, a bee sting causes temporary pain and swelling.
- However, about 2% of the population is allergic to bee venom. This can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) that need immediate medical attention.
Hornets
- Hornets are more aggressive than bees and can sting multiple times.
- Their stings are typically more painful than bee stings due to a higher concentration of acetylcholine in their venom.
- Hornets can be particularly dangerous when their nests are disturbed, as they may attack in swarms.
- The Asian giant hornet, sometimes called the “murder hornet,” has a particularly painful sting and can be lethal in rare cases of multiple stings.
Wasps
- Like hornets, wasps can sting multiple times and tend to be more aggressive than bees.
- Yellowjackets and paper wasps are common types that can be a nuisance around homes.
- Wasp stings can cause pain, swelling, and in some cases, allergic reactions.
- They become more aggressive in late summer and early fall as their food sources dwindle.
While these insects are generally not seeking to harm humans, it’s important to exercise caution, especially around nests or hives. If you suspect you’re allergic to stings or experience severe symptoms after being stung, seek medical attention immediately. For large infestations or nests in problematic areas, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service for safe removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hornets as bad as wasps?
Hornets are generally considered more dangerous than wasps due to their larger size and more potent venom.
However, they’re typically less aggressive than wasps when unprovoked. Both can sting multiple times and become defensive when their nests are threatened.
Why are hornets so aggressive?
Hornets aren’t inherently aggressive, but they become defensive when protecting their colony. Factors contributing to their perceived aggression include:
- Large colony sizes, leading to more defenders
- Powerful venom, causing more painful stings
- Ability to sting multiple times without dying
- Strong instinct to protect their nest and queen
Are bumble bees honey gatherers?
While bumblebees do collect nectar and pollen, they don’t produce and store honey in the same way as honeybees.
Bumblebees create small amounts of a honey-like substance to feed their larvae and sustain the colony, but they don’t produce excess honey for harvesting.
What are the main differences between bees, wasps, and hornets in terms of behavior and habitat?
- Bees: Generally docile, live in large colonies, build wax combs, and are crucial pollinators. Many species nest in hives or underground.
- Wasps: More aggressive, build paper nests, are predators of other insects, and also act as pollinators. They often nest in sheltered areas like eaves or underground.
- Hornets: A type of wasp, typically larger and with more potent venom. They build large, enclosed nests often high up in trees or buildings.
Can hornets make honey?
No, hornets cannot make honey. Unlike honeybees, hornets are predatory insects and do not have the physiological adaptations necessary to produce and store honey.
They feed on other insects and sometimes fruit juices, but do not collect and process nectar into honey.
Final Thoughts
Bees, wasps, and hornets are all vital pollinators, and therefore, are beneficial to their fragile ecosystems. However, having an infestation of stinging insects under your porch presents a challenge.
No matter the species, bee nests are difficult to bring down on your own, especially if you are allergic to bee stings. Additionally, most homeowners are not comfortable handling pesticides, whether the EPA registers them or not.
Do some research on how much removing bees costs and consider your options. You could hire a certified beekeeper, but they typically only remove honeybee hives with a surviving queen. For that reason, it’s best to start with a qualified pest control provider. Their technicians have the training and experience to tackle even the most extensive bee infestations.
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