Stinging insects, including bees, wasps, and hornets, play crucial roles in our ecosystem but can pose risks when they come into contact with humans. Globally, there are over 20,000 bee species and approximately 75,000 wasp species, with around 4,000 of these species found in the United States. True hornets are less common, with only about 20 species worldwide and just one prevalent in North America.
About Stinging Insects
Bees and wasps are essential to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Bees pollinate 70 of the top 100 crops consumed by humans, along with most flowering plants. While wasps also contribute to pollination, their primary benefit lies in controlling pests by feeding on harmful insects and larvae that damage crops. However, encounters between bees, wasps, or hornets and humans or pets can lead to painful stings and, in severe cases, life-threatening reactions.
What do bees, wasps, and hornets look like?
All stinging insects share a basic body structure comprising a head, thorax, and abdomen, protected by an exoskeleton. They possess six legs, two antennae, two pairs of wings, compound and simple eyes, mandibles for cutting and chewing, and, in females, a stinger.
- Bees: Typically covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance, bees often display colorful bands on their bodies. Honeybees are golden brown with black stripes, bumblebees and carpenter bees exhibit yellow and black patterns, and leafcutter bees are black and white. Sizes vary, with bumblebees ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 1/2 inches in length.
- Wasps: Featuring smoother, more slender bodies than bees, wasps can be brown, yellow, bright red, or metallic blue, growing up to 1 1/2 inches long.
- Hornets: A subset of wasps, hornets have larger heads and more rounded bodies, with some species exceeding 2 inches in length.
Behavior and diet
Bees primarily feed on pollen and nectar, playing a vital role in pollinating many of the crops humans consume. Wasps and hornets, while also consuming nectar, are predators of other insects and spiders, helping control pest populations. Some wasps, like yellowjackets, are attracted to human food and can become a nuisance during outdoor activities.
What are the nesting habits of bees and hornets?
- Bees: Construct nests from wax, often inside wood or underground.
- Wasps: Create nests from chewed wood fibers, forming paper-like structures. Social wasps build colonies in sheltered outdoor areas such as trees and gardens or in protected areas around structures, including under eaves, in window frames, or beneath porches.
- Hornets: Similar to wasps, hornets build large paper nests, often in trees or shrubs, and sometimes in building cavities.
What are the threats and risks of stinging insects?
While stinging insects are beneficial to the environment, they can pose risks when they nest near human activity. Stings can cause pain, allergic reactions, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Carpenter bees can damage wooden structures by boring holes to create nests.
To minimize risks:
- Avoid attracting them: Keep food and sugary drinks covered during outdoor activities.
- Maintain your property: Regularly inspect and repair potential nesting sites around your home, such as gaps in siding or eaves.
- Seek professional help: If you discover a nest near your living areas, contact a pest control professional to safely remove it.
Treatment
DIY Methods
Spraying insecticides on bees, wasps, and hornets might seem like a quick fix, but it can backfire. While the spray may take out a few individuals, it can also agitate the entire nest, triggering a frenzy of activity and making the situation even more dangerous. Bees, in particular, are crucial for pollinating crops and supporting biodiversity, so it’s worth thinking twice before harming them—especially since their populations are declining worldwide. Instead of reaching for the spray can, consider calling in a licensed pest control expert. They have the skills to safely remove or relocate the nest, reducing the risks to you, your family, and the environment. Let the professionals handle it while you stay safe!
Prevention
Stinging Insect Prevention
Bees, wasps, and hornets play an important role in the environment, but in large quantities, they can pose a threat to your family and property. Follow these simple tips to reduce the risk of stings or infestations:
- Avoid wearing yellow or white clothing outdoors, as these colors can attract insects.
- Make sure window screens are tightly secured to prevent insects from entering.
- Regularly check your property for signs of hives or nests.
- Keep a safe distance and avoid interacting with bees, wasps, or hornets.
You can contact our professional stinging insect exterminators for prevention you can count on!