Wasps and bees share many similarities that can make them difficult to tell apart. Both have similar striped bodies and many subspecies of each build nests with a signature honeycomb pattern. But bees and wasps are treated differently when it comes to pest control. Therefore, look to the guide below to tell which you have on your property.

How to Tell Them Apart

Looks

Bees tend to be rounder in shape and to have more fuzzy hair on their bodies, while wasps are narrower and smoother. However, there are exceptions—some wasps are furry and some bees aren’t.

Diet

Bees are herbivores which feed on nectar from flowers and play a vital role by pollinating them in the process. Wasps are carnivores. They are much more likely to be interested in human food and may be attracted to picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor events, making them more intrusive.

Behavior

Bee stingers are left behind in the wound when they sting, injuring the bee and eventually leading to its death. Wasp stingers stay attached to their bodies, allowing them to sting multiple times. This can change their behavior somewhat, with wasps being more aggressive, though both will sting when threatened or when protecting a nest.

When You Find a Nest

Due to the differences in their behavior and diet, bees are usually treated more gently by pest control professionals than wasps. A colony of bees can often be moved to the hive of a beekeeper, allowing you to remove the bees from your home without harming the colony. Pest control for wasps is more straightforward, as your exterminator will simply poison them and remove the nest.

 

If you have found bees or wasps on your property and need pest removal, contact All Service in New Braunfels, TX. Serving Seguin, San Marcos, Schertz, and all of Comal County, they have years of pest control experience and remove termites, roaches, ants, scorpions, and fleas. They also provide chimney cleaning and repair. To schedule service, call (830) 626-2847 or reach out online.