Termagon Termite & Pest Control Blog
Wasps and bees have similar characteristics, so there is often significant confusion about the differences between these insects. Both wasps and bees build large dwellings to protect their queens, and they both rely on a network of honeycombs to protect young larvae. Wasps and bees are also both winged insects with stingers that people know instinctively to avoid. Understanding the differences between wasps and bees is important since different pest control methods should be used depending on which type of winged insects you need to eliminate.
Differences Between Wasps and Bees
Biologists classify both wasps and bees as members of the Hymenoptera order, but there are significant dissimilarities between their physical characteristics. Wasps have smooth skin while bees have distinctive fur on their abdomens. Bees form hives while wasps form nests. Bees tend to form large hives of about 75,000 insects while wasp nests often contain less than 100 insects. Bees also tend to be smaller than wasps. On average, wasps are about 5 centimeters long while bees are about 2.5 centimeters long.
How to Recognize Wasps
Wasps are aggressive insects that will try to intimidate you if you come into their personal space. You can recognize wasps by their black color and four wings that give off a loud buzzing noise. Wasps build a new nest every year after hibernating. When you get stung by a wasp, you do not have to worry about removing a stinger since wasps do not lose their stingers when they attack. Wasps can, however, sting the same person multiple times, so you have to fight back against wasps that attack you.
How to Recognize Bees
Unlike aggressive wasps, bees tend to be relatively peaceful insects that will not attack unless they are provoked. Bees have to be careful to avoid conflicts since they can only use their stingers once. When you get stung by a bee, you have to make sure that you remove its stinger so that it does not continue to inject poison into your body. Bees tend to have plenty of time to focus on nurturing young larvae because they do work in their hives instead of hibernating in the winter. Consequently, beehives tend to be large networks of tunnels and honeycombs.
Treating Wasp and Bee Nests
If you find wasp nests or beehives on your property, you should take action to address these pest problems before guests or family members get stung. Treating nests of stinging pests requires protective equipment since both bees and wasps will swarm an attacker when their nest is provoked. To ensure that you stay safe, you should work with a professional who understands how to thoroughly eradicate wasp nests and beehives without endangering himself or other people. Check out our service area and see if we can help serve your Arizona home or business.
