Bees and wasps are often mistaken for one another because of their similar appearances. While these two insects share quite a few physical characteristics, they must be dealt with in very different ways. Here is a quick look at a few of the key differences between these two bugs and some steps that our team can take to remove them from your home or place of business.

Understanding Wasps

Wasps usually live in relatively large colonies that are run by a queen. In most areas, the majority of each colony will die when the weather cools off, and only the fertilized queens survive during the frigid winter months. While wasps are yellow and black like bees, they tend to be much slimmer. The body of a wasp also tapers near the midsection, and the skin is shiny and almost completely hairless. Wasps enjoy human foods and beverages, and keeping all of your food covered is one of the best ways to deter those bugs. You should also remove any bird feeders from your property if you are struggling with a wasp infestation.

A Look at Bees

The easiest way to tell the difference between a bee and a wasp is to take a close look at the abdominal area. Honey bees tend to have much larger abdomens that are completely covered in fur. Much like wasps, bees live in huge colonies that are comprised of thousands of male workers and soldiers. The queens are rarely seen, but the bees will do everything in their power to protect the females. To keep bees off your property, you should make sure that they don’t have access to any type of food or a water source. If a colony has developed on your property, then you must call us right away to discuss your options with one of your pest control experts.

Dealing With Colonies and Hives

While it might be tempting to spray your yard with harsh insecticides as soon as you notice any unwanted pests, you must be very careful with bees and wasps. Wasps can usually be taken care of with a basic insecticide, but bees need to be treated differently. Bees are an important component of the ecosystem, and the local plants could be negatively impacted if you wipe out a colony. Every situation is slightly different, but we usually suggest relocating bee colonies and hives instead of destroying them.

Which Do I Have? Wasps vs. Bees

In order to determine which type of flying insect you are dealing with, one of our pest control experts will carefully look at the colony as well as a few individual bugs. If you have wasps on your property, then we might suggest spraying the area around the nest before removing the nest entirely. By removing the nest, you can greatly reduce your risk of a future infestation. As for bees, we will most likely come up with a relocation plan that doesn’t harm the colony. To learn more about these services, please contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our friendly pest control experts.