Wasps, Hornets, Yellow Jackets and Bees

These brightly colored insects have developed a well-earned level of respect due mostly to their ability to deliver painful stings. And even though they are beneficial to humans, nests in and around your home can be extremely dangerous to your family and cause damage to the structure.

Wasps, Hornets, and Yellow Jackets

Wasps are a diverse collection of insects with an estimated 30,000 different species which includes hornets and yellow jackets. The easiest way to identify a wasp from a bee is by the narrow “waist” between the abdomen and the thorax.

Wasp Types and Behaviors

Wasps are separated into two subgroups: social and solitary. Social wasps (which include hornets and yellow jackets) live in colonies made from a paper-like substance. Unlike bees, a queen wasp will start a new nest every year. When she emerges from winter hibernation, she starts a small nest and raises the initial brood of female workers. These workers in turn continue to expand the nest into which the queen will lay her eggs. By the end of the season, the colony will have as many as 5,000 members.

As their name implies, solitary wasps do not form colonies. Their nests are built from mud or are often burrowed into the ground. Although several nests may be located in close proximity, the members do not work together.

Dangers of Wasp Stings

Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. When threatened, social wasps will emit a pheromone that signals the other wasps resulting in a coordinated attack. This can be extremely dangerous to people and even result in death.

Bees

Honey bees are one of the hardest working insects in the animal kingdom. A typical pound of honey is the result of an estimated 55,000 miles of bee flight. In the lifetime of a bee, it will only produce about 1 twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.

Honey bees are rarely aggressive but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. If you need a nest removed, call a professional bee keeper. They will be more than glad to come and get the hive.

What To Do When You Find A Bee Nest

Infestations will start small and grow rapidly. When you see the early stages of nesting, give AAA Pest Control a call. Many people are stung every year while attempting to remove a wasp or bee nest. Even professionals need to exercise caution as some hives or colonies can be extremely aggressive.

While most types of bees have beneficial purpose, they can be dangerous when their nest is located too close to people. Don’t take chances. Call AAA Pest Control and our team of trained specialists will quickly and safely remove the nest.

If bees and wasps are bugging you – please Bug Us to put an end to your pest-related problems.