The sound of constant buzzing and the sight of yellow and black blurs flying around is enough to make anyone uneasy. However, not every stinging insect represents a threat to you. Knowing the type of bee or wasp you’re dealing with allows you to take the proper steps to protect your property and the environment.
As our Bee Aware campaign continues, Masters Pest Control remains committed to educating the Tri-State area on the benefits and threats associated with various bees. Here are some bee species to know:
Honeybees
Honeybees are known for their short, thick bodies as well as their golden yellow and black stripes, although some honeybees can be orange and yellow. You’ll find their nests in hollow trees, walls, sheds, or other places that provide protection from the weather. Honeybees are docile and highly beneficial to the ecosystem, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Efforts should be taken towards coexistence rather than removal. Professional beekeepers should be called when bee colonies appear closer to your property as the chances of disturbing nests and getting stung increase.
Bumble Bees
Bumblebees are close relatives of the honeybees. They’re easily recognizable, with their distinct yellow and black stripes and furry, round bodies roughly one-half to one inch long. They tend to build their nests close to the ground using existing materials such as abandoned rodent holes, lumber piles, and tree hollows. Bumble bees should be left alone as they’re unlikely to sting unless their nest is provoked. It’s important to remember that, while only female bumblebees can sting, they are capable of stinging more than once.
Wasps
Wasps differ from bees in that they have longer abdomens and thoraxes, giving them the appearance of a narrow or thin waist. Wasp nests can be found deep inside the walls of a home, near the attic, or in nearby trees and shrubbery. Wasps can be found scavenging for human food, near human activity. When you notice wasp nests closer to your home, it’s time to call the professionals. You might be tempted to attempt eliminating the problem yourself, but you’re putting your family members and pets at risk. Some varieties of wasp are capable of stinging multiple times as they don’t lose their stingers after the first sting, unlike other types of stinging insects.
Yellow Jackets
Yellow jackets are a type of wasp, named for the black and yellow bands across their bodies. These insects build their paper mâché-like nests in wall voids, attics, shrubbery (where they can easily go undetected), hollow logs, on/around houses, and even in the ground. When yellow jackets are spotted near your home, especially during peak season, it’s time to call your Tri-State pest control experts. Yellow jackets are territorial in nature and more aggressive than other stinging insects. They also can sting multiple times without dying, and worse, release a chemical upon stinging that alerts others join the attack.
Masters Pest Control has helped protect your family and property from pests for 40 years. We are also committed to preserving the local ecosystem while minimizing any harm to the environment. To learn more about bees, click here or call 877-546-9575 for a consultation from your Tri-State pest control experts.