Bees, hornets, and wasps are often viewed as the same flying insect because they can deliver painful stings. However, despite this similarity, these insects are quite different. Before you reach out to a pest control professional to rid your property of these pests, here are some facts you should know about them.

Appearance

All three insects can look similar from a distance, but up close, there are some notable differences. For instance, honeybees are about a half-inch long, and their bodies are covered in yellow and black striped fuzz that's used for collecting pollen. Wasps aren't fuzzy and are twice the size of bees, though they do sometimes have yellow and black stripes. Hornets are very similar to wasps, but they're larger and are often black and white or reddish-brown.

Feeding

Bees regularly feed on pollen and nectar from plants, whereas wasps and hornets will feed on both plants and meat. They'll frequently scavenge for food, including other insects, which is the primary source of nutrition for hornets.

Habitat

All three insects will make nests within small holes or burrows near food sources, such as flowers, fruit trees, or nectar-producing plants. Bees build hives from wax, while wasp and hornet nests consist of small bits of chewed up wood that has a paper-like texture. Common places around the home where bees, hornets, and wasps will nest include attics, trees, verandas, ceilings, and shrubs. When you see any of these insects flying around your home, they're likely searching for food to bring back to their nests. If their presence becomes too much of a nuisance, you may need to contact a pest control professional for treatment and removal options.

Don’t let stinging insects ruin your summer. Reach out to the team at Acme Pest Control Co Inc. For more than 70 years, this company has helped residents throughout Concord and Mooresville, NC, rid their homes of unwanted critters. They create specialized pest control services to treat each client’s specific needs, from termite treatment to rodent removal. Make your home pest-proof today by calling (704) 786-4166 or reaching out online.