Due to their similar appearances and markings, many people confuse bees with wasps. Both are winged, stinging insects and are often striped in bright warning colors, usually yellow and black. Many varieties of both wasps and bees live in large colonies and build nests to house themselves and their young. However, knowing the differences between them before you call the exterminator can help expedite their removal.

Wasps vs. Bees

There are a few major differences to watch for between bees and wasps. First, wasps can sting multiple times, while bees leave their stingers in their target and die after just one sting. For this reason, wasps are sometimes more aggressive and ready to sting. However, either species will still respond to physical threats and protect their nests.

Bees eat only nectar and pollen, while wasps are carnivorous. They generally eat other insects, but may also be attracted to human food when it is outdoors. Wasps hibernate in winter, while bees are active year round, feeding on the honey they have stored. Finally, most bee species tend to look rounder and more furry than wasps, although there are exceptions.

What to Do About Hives and Nests

If you have a wasp or bee colony on your property, you may think of calling an exterminator first. However, if the insects are bees, it’s usually a better idea to relocate them than to kill them. Bees are beneficial to the environment, and many beekeepers would be interested in taking charge of a honeybee swarm which has settled in an inconvenient area. However, if they are wasps, quick wasp control is the best course of action to prevent painful stings. If you aren’t able to tell whether you have bees or wasps, your local exterminator can identify them and recommend the best course of action.

If you need an exterminator to deal with wasps or other unwanted insects, call Collins Exterminating in Bolivar, MO. For 57 years, their highly trained specialists have protected homes from roaches, bedbugs, termites, wasps, and spiders, making your living space cleaner and more pleasant. To schedule an inspection, contact them at (417) 326-2124 or online.