Bees, Wasps and Hornets

Bees and wasps wouldn’t be considered pests if they didn’t have the ability to sting for self-protection. Bees, of course, are important to us because produce honey and pollinate flowers. Wasps and hornets feed on other bugs and insects. Like most natural species, in their place, bees and wasps are our allies. They only become a problem when they cross over into our living spaces.

While bees, wasps and hornets are similar in appearance, there are general differences that make it easy enough to tell which species an individual belongs to. Wasps have a narrow waist and are smooth skinned and shiny. Bees have much thicker bodies and are covered with fine hairs. Distinguishing between these insects is important because different methods are used to control them.

Food Preferences

Most wasp species are carnivores, they feed insects and other bugs to their larva. In the late summer and fall, wasps and yellow jackets prepare for the winter by hunting for sugars and carbohydrates and can become unwelcome guests at picnics and other outdoor activities where food is served.

Bees feed on nectar and pollen from flowers and often will gather carbohydrates from sweetened drinks and sugary foods.

Nesting Sites

Wasps, hornets and yellowjackets make papery nests, often attached to the corner of a window or under the eaves of the house. In addition, you may find yellowjacket nests under ground or in stone walls.

In the wild, honey bees build their hive in a hollowed out tree or suspend the hive from a tree limb. Bumble bees usually build their hives underground. Both species produce honey and build wax cells for their larvae. Honey bee hives are much larger and more productive than bumble colonies.

Control is generally simple and quick, when you have the right tools and know what you’re doing like we do. Bees are usually left to apirists (bee keepers) who will often come get the colony and use it for honey production or to augment the bloodlines of their existing colonies. Wasps, hornets and the like are the real trouble makers who like to sting. Leave ‘em alone and call Cov Pest!