Introduction
Did you know that both bees AND wasps are pollinators!?! In this article, we’ll discuss their similarities and differences and how to coexist peacefully with these insects that are clearly Iowa Hawkey fans.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
• The surprising ways bees and wasps are similar.
• Key features that help you easily distinguish between them.
• How to enjoy your outdoor space without attracting unwanted wasps.
• When to call a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal.
By the end, you’ll be a bee and wasp identification pro!
Similarities Between Bees and Wasps
Food: Both adult wasps and bees feed mainly on sugars, which means they’re both likely to be attracted to your sweet treats like cupcakes and soda.
Appearance: At first glance, bees and wasps might look similar due to their black and yellow coloring. We’ll explain how to quickly identify whether you’re seeing a bee or a wasp, and how to distinguish between their nests, which vary greatly even within their own species.
Both Sting: Both bees and wasps can sting!
Here are a few more interesting facts:
• Honey Bees (except for the queen) can only sting once, and then die shortly after. The queen rarely leaves the hive, but she can sting more than once if provoked.
• Other types of bees, like bumblebees and all wasps, can sting multiple times.
• If you’re allergic to bee stings, you may also be allergic to wasp stings, so avoiding all types of stingers is best.
Differences in Appearance and Behavior
Wasps
– Like Paper Wasps, Hornets, and Yellowjackets are generally longer and shinier than bees, with distinct black and yellow bands around their abdomen.
Hornets:
Hornets are a subset of wasps and are known for their aggressive behavior. Their nests are usually in trees or under porch overhangs.
Social Behavior: Both paper wasps and yellowjackets are social, living in colonies. Encountering one often means encountering many. Most other wasps are solitary, so they tend to keep to themselves and not bother people.
Nests: Yellowjacket nests can be underground or in trees, often found in abandoned rodent burrows or wall cavities. Paper wasp nests start small but can grow significantly if not dealt with early.
- Diet: Unlike vegetarian bees, wasps are attracted to meat to feed their larvae, making them common around your grill, trash cans, and compost bins. However, adult wasps don’t eat meat and want sugary, sweet foods (like nectar).
WASP NESTS:
Bees – All bees have hairy bodies to collect pollen, but not all are black and yellow. For example, there is a type of sweat bee species called the Augochloropsis, which is a brilliant blue-green color, and another named Metallica! Bumblebees, a general fan favorite, are easily recognizable with their round, large abdomens.
Social Behavior: Most of Iowa’s native bees, like Sweat Bees and Mason Bees, are solitary, meaning one female bee creates and tends her own nest.
Honeybees and bumblebees are social. Honeybee swarms occur when colonies become too crowded or when a new queen is made.
Nests: While you might picture a pretty hive for all bees, Bumblee nests are ramshackle compared to their honeybee counterparts. They tend to use pre-existing cavities such as abandoned birdhouses, piles of leaves or brush, or inside forgotten attics or crawlspaces if there is an opening. They then will create a cozy, insulated environment with dry grass or leaves, soft plant fibers, or animal fur. Bumblebee nests are much smaller than honeybee hives and have one entrance.
Bee Nests
Tips for Coexisting with Pollinators
Seal Trash and Cover Food: To prevent them from swarming your backyard fun, cover your garbage and seal it with things like bungee cords to help keep wasps and, (added bonus) raccoons out. When you’re eating outside, it’s best to use a plastic topper over food to keep it from landing on and getting a taste of your food. The same can go for your drinks. Putting drinks in containers with lids helps to keep these sugar hounds away.
Fix Cracks: Wasps are small, and as we mentioned above, some types will build nests in your siding or walls. It’s a good idea to patch up cracks, holes, and other areas where these stinging insects could nest or enter your home.
Use Essential Oils: According to the School for Aromatic Studies, there are a few essential oils you can use to deter insects; for example, peppermint oil can help repel various insects, including wasps. By missing peppermint oil and water in a spray bottle and spraying around the entry points of your home, you can be more environmentally friendly while also creating a smell that wasps don’t like.
Clove, geranium, and lemongrass are other similar smells and oils that wasps don’t like. By combining a few drops of essential oil with water (and soap, too!), you can spray this mixture on areas where wasps like to build their nests, such as eaves, crevices, and ledges.
When to Call Pest Control Specialists
We don’t recommend handling bee or wasp nests on your own. Allergies can make stings life-threatening; these insects can become aggressive if provoked. Bats and Bugs Pest Solutions offers single visits or regular maintenance programs to keep your property safe. Give us a call at 515-218-3400 or fill out our contact form.
Stay safe and enjoy National Pollinator Month by appreciating these incredible creatures from a safe distance!
