Bee or Wasp? How to Identify Bees and Wasps 

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Learn how to identify and tell the difference between wasps and bees! This video will show you some of the biggest differences between bees and wasps!
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Bees and wasps are more alike than you might think. Both are flying, stinging insects that are part of the same family; both can be aggressive, especially when provoked; and both are actually pollinators. Spotting and knowing the difference between the two is important for getting control of these stinging pests.
There are many different types of bees and wasps. But the most common bee types you will encounter is the honey bee, the bumble bee, and the carpenter bee. Common wasps are paper wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets.
Looking at the wasp or bee’s coloration will help, but one of the easiest ways to identify either a bee or wasp is to look at their bodies. At first glance they can look similar, but a key distinction is the amount of fuzzy hair on their bodies. While wasps will have some hair, they are generally smooth and shiny. Bees are much hairier, especially the bumble bee.
The reason for this is that, even though they both are considered pollinators, bees rely solely on pollen and nectar, and their hairy bodies make them much more efficient in collecting pollen. Adult wasps do feed on nectar, but they are predators and feed their larvae protein-based material like human food or other insects.
You can also look at their body shape. Bees are typically more robust or fatter, with thick legs. Where wasps are sleek and have extremely narrow waists and skinnier legs. The wasp’s body shape makes them efficient hunters. Because wasps hunt for protein, they are much more aggressive than bees, and they are the ones you’ll likely encounter when eating or picnicking outside.
You can also identify the two by their nests. Honey bee nests are waxy and will have that distinctive honeycomb look and generally can be found in trees. Bumble bees actually nest in the ground while carpenter bees nest within wood.
Wasp nests are made from a papery-pulpy material, and are usually found hanging under house eaves, under or around patios, or along windows.
While each bee and wasp type will sting, wasps are more dangerous because they are aggressive by nature, will sting you multiple times and attack in groups. Honey bees will also attack in numbers, but they die after stinging their target. Keep in mind, this is actually a trait unique to honey bees -- other bees can sting you more than once. The good thing is bumble bees or carpenter bees are much more mild-mannered, will not swarm, and won’t attack unless truly bothered.
While bees and wasps are important to the ecosystem, it is important to know the difference between the two for effective control. And you can do that with professional products and equipment from Solutions Pest and Lawn. Be sure to visit our website to get your products today. If you’re new to the channel, subscribe for more how to and product videos. And contact us for more tips, tricks, and DIY pest solutions.
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