Bees and Wasps
- Bees and wasps are a part of the same order of flying insect, Hymenoptera, and the same suborder, Apocrita.
- They are often confused for one another due to their coloring — and may even be confused with flies.
- In fact, there is a yellow and black striped species of fly that evolved to resemble bees and wasps to avoid detection by predators.
- Bees and wasps do have many similarities.
- Both bees and wasps fly.
- Bees and wasps both have the potential to sting.
- The larvae of both bees and wasps resemble fly maggots.
- Both bees and wasps have a narrow waist at the junction between the thorax and abdomen.
All About Bees
More than 16,000 bee species exist around the world. About 4,000 of these species live in North America. Depending on your location and the types of plants that grow in your area, you will most likely be familiar with some bee species and not with others.
We often think of bees as hive-dwelling insects, but most bees actually build solitary nesting compartments in the ground, in hollow parts of trees or in the cavities of rock outcroppings. Often, several solitary female bees will erect their own single-dwelling nest chambers close to one another, creating something to the effect of an informal social colony. Carpenter bees and honey bees, which you may be more familiar with, create their own hives which can house thousands of members in just one colony, working together as just one organism.
How Wasps Are Different
Wasps are more aggressive than their bee cousins, becoming defensive and aggressive when their nest is disturbed. Both wasps and bees release a pheromone that identifies their target whenever they feel threatened. This pheromone also works to alert the rest of a wasp colony that an attack may be imminent.
If you discover a wasp or a wasp nest, your best course of action is to walk away and warn children and other adults to stay away from the area. Swatting wasps, and even squashing them, can worsen any aggressive wasp situation, as this can cause wasps to release chemicals that attract and agitate other wasps close by.
What To Do If You Find Wasps or Bees Near Your Home
Wasps are attracted to food, while bees are most often attracted to pollen — both of which can be found around your home. If you have wasps or bees in your home or yard, don’t wait to take action to protect your home and family. Reach out to At Home Pros to help connect you with highly qualified professionals in your area who can help you control your wasp or bee situation.