Wasps, Hornets and Bees: Know the Difference

Wasps, Hornets, and Bees: Know the Difference

Is the sight of a black and yellow striped insect enough to make you run away screaming, whatever it might be? Well when it comes to wasps, hornets, and bees, they may look similar, but they’re actually very different creatures. So before you let one ruin your barbecue, here’s how to know the difference between wasps, hornets, and bees.

Wasps

What they look like

Wasps’ bodies have bright yellow and black rings and they have a tapered abdomen.

Nests

They make nests like bees but they don’t make honey. Wasps make their nests out of small pieces of wood which they chew and spit out to build the walls.

Species

It’s estimated that there are over 100,000 different species of wasp. Aren’t we lucky?

Can they harm you?

Wasps generally use their stingers to kill and lay eggs inside their prey. Only female wasps can actually sting. Humans aren’t prey to wasps, however, we do silly things like disturb their nests and flap our arms about which puts us in their line of fire.

Bees

What they look like

Bees have a golden and black colouring and have tiny fuzzy hairs all over their bodies. Honey bees are the most likely bees to be mistaken for wasps because they have elongated bodies.

Nests

Bees collect nectar and pollen from plants to make honey. They live in hives made from a wax better known as honeycomb.

Species

There are almost 20,000 known species of bees.

Can they harm you?

The chances of being stung by a bee are actually quite low. Bees will only sting when they feel extremely threatened because once a bee stings you, its stinger gets embedded in your skin. This kills the bee.

Hornets

What they look like

Hornets are a type of wasp but they have rounder bodies. They do differ in colour and size as well. Hornets have brown, red, and yellowish-orange markings on their bodies and they can grow as large as 5.5cm.

Nests

Hornets build their nests in the same way as wasps.

Species

There are 20 known species of hornet.

Can they harm you?

Hornets are less aggressive than wasps, however their stings are more painful than wasp stings. This is because their venom contains the chemical acetylcholine which stimulates our pain receptors. Hornets can sting repeatedly too, just like wasps.

Got a Problem with Wasps, Bees, or Hornets?

If wasps, bees, or hornets are causing problems around your home or business, call in professional pest control. First, we’ll help you identify which pest you’re dealing with then we’ll put together a treatment plan to eradicate the issue.

A Word on Bees

At Contego, we’re all about responsible pest control. We’d much rather educate our customers on how bees are an important and beneficial part of the ecosystem before taking any action. Bees are not usually aggressive insects, so your best bet might be leaving them be!

Want pest control treatment or advice that helps, not harms?

Call Contego.

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